Oral cancer
Oral (mouth) cancer refers to cancers of the tongue, lips, inside lining of the mouth / cheeks and the oropharynx (the portion of the throat at the back of the mouth). Oral cancer forms part of the head and neck group of cancers.
Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the UK – every year there are approximately 4,900 new cases reported.
Risks
In some patients the exact cause of these cancers is unknown, but there are definite risk factors. These include:
- Tobacco and alcohol: these substances all contain nitrosamines, chemicals that are known to cause cancer. Over three quarters of oral cancer cases are linked to smoking, chewing tobacco (or betel quid) and alcohol.
- Diet: a diet lacking in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and zinc increases cancer risk. Fresh fruits and vegetables act as risk reducers.
- Human papilloma virus (HPV): some studies suggest that HPV, specifically HPV 16, is associated with oral cancer.
- Excessive sunlight: long periods of UV exposure can lead to cancer of the lip. Be sure to wear protective lip balm or sunscreen when outdoors for extended periods of time.
- Age and gender: oral cancers are more common in older people, although incidence is on the rise among those aged 40 to 50. The number of women with oral cancers is also increasing, although they are still more common in men.
- Previous cancer: people who have a history of other head and neck cancers are at greater risk of developing oral cancer, particularly if they continue to smoke and drink alcohol.
Symptoms
Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and floor of the mouth. Unfortunately oral cancer can be difficult to see in its earliest stages. This makes early detection and treatment essential to improving chances of survival. Therefore be sure to ask your GP or dentist to check for signs of oral cancer during your next visit.
The common symptoms of oral cancer are:
- red and white patches inside your mouth
- ulcers or sores that do not heal within 14 days
- a lump in the neck
- pain or bleeding in the mouth
- difficulty swallowing
- persistent pain in the throat or ear
- speech problems.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can mean you have a condition other than cancer.
Mortality and survival
Since they are often only caught in late stages oral cancers can have a high mortality rate (about 50% at five years from diagnosis). The survival rate jumps to over 85% when oral cancers are small, hence the importance of seeking advice early if you have concerns.