Mouth cancers, also known as oral cancers or oral cavity cancers, refer to malignancies that develop in the tissues of the mouth or oral cavity. The oral cavity includes the lips, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and the roof of the mouth.
Mouth cancers are typically classified into different types based on the location in which they develop. These include lip cancer, tongue cancer, gum cancer, floor of the mouth cancer, and palate cancer, among others. These cancers typically arise due to the uncontrolled growth and multiplication of abnormal cells in the oral cavity.
The most common cause of mouth cancers is the habitual use of tobacco, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco. Excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation such as from ill-fitting dentures or rough teeth, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) are also recognized risk factors for developing mouth cancers.
Symptoms of mouth cancers may include persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth, red or white patches on the lips or inside the mouth, difficulty or pain while chewing or swallowing, unexplained bleeding in the mouth, swelling or lumps in the mouth, and changes in voice or persistent hoarseness.
Early detection of mouth cancers is crucial for improving treatment outcomes. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drug therapy depending on the stage and location of the cancer.
Regular dental check-ups, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining good oral hygiene, and reducing exposure to risk factors can help in the prevention of mouth cancers.
