Oral Cancer in the Philippines: Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of cancer that occurs in the lips, inside the mouth, on the back of the throat, the tonsils, or salivary glands. It is more common in men than women and typically affects people over the age of 40. Smoking in combination with heavy alcohol use is a significant risk factor for developing oral cancer.

If not detected early, oral cancer can require surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Unfortunately, it can also be fatal, with an overall five-year survival rate of approximately 50 percent. One of the main reasons for this poor prognosis is a failure to recognize the early symptoms, emphasizing the importance of early detection for successful treatment.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer:

While you may not always be able to spot the earliest warning signs of oral cancer, regular check-ups with both your dentist and physician are crucial. Your dentist is trained to detect early warning signs of oral cancer. However, in addition to check-ups, you should see your dentist if you notice any of the following:

- A sore on the lips, gums, or inside of your mouth that bleeds easily and doesn't heal

- A lump or thickening in the cheek that you can feel with your tongue

- Loss of feeling or numbness in any part of your mouth

- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inside of the mouth

- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food

- Soreness or unexplained pain in your mouth, or feeling that something is caught in your throat with no known cause

- Swelling of the jaw causing dentures to fit poorly

- Change in voice

Prevention of Oral Cancer:

If you don't chew or smoke tobacco, don't start. Tobacco use accounts for 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers. Smoking cigarettes, a pipe, or a cigar greatly increases your chances of developing cancer of the larynx, mouth, throat, and esophagus. Chronic users of smokeless tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-users.

It's best to avoid smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, chewing tobacco, or dipping snuff. People who stop using tobacco, even after many years of use, greatly reduce their risk for oral cancer. Chronic and/or heavy use of alcohol also increases your risk of cancer, and alcohol combined with tobacco creates an especially high risk.

Treatment of Oral Cancer:

After a diagnosis has been made, a team of specialists (including an oral surgeon and dentist) develops a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs. Surgery is usually required, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. It's important to see a dentist who's familiar with the changes these therapies may cause in the mouth.

Oral Side Effects of Radiation Therapy:

When radiation therapy is used for the head and neck area, many people experience irritation in the mouth, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and changes in taste. Radiation also increases the chances of getting cavities, which is why it is especially important to take good care of your teeth, gums, mouth, and throat during radiation treatment.

Be sure to talk regularly with your cancer specialist and dentist about any mouth problems you might have during and after radiation treatment. Also, discuss with your dentist, prior to starting head and neck cancer therapy, what you can do before, during, and after your therapy to help prevent possible oral side effects.

Maintaining Oral Health During Therapy:

- Brush with a soft toothbrush after meals and floss daily.

- Avoid spices and coarse foods like raw vegetables, dry crackers, and nuts.

- Avoid tobacco and alcohol.

- Eat or chew sugar-free gum or candy to keep your mouth moist.

- Before starting radiation therapy, notify your dentist and make an appointment for a complete checkup. Ask your dentist to consult with your radiation oncologist before your radiation treatment begins.

In conclusion, oral cancer is a serious condition that requires early detection and proper treatment. By being aware of the symptoms, taking preventive measures, and maintaining good oral hygiene during therapy, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful recovery. Remember, regular check-ups with your dentist and physician are crucial in the fight against oral cancer.