Oral cancer

Oral cancer or mouth cancer is a kind of neck and head cancer, which is described as abnormal growth of cancerous cells in any part of the mouth or oral cavity. Mouth cancer, throat cancer, lip cancer and tongue cancer are also a part of oral cancer.

All oral cancers look the same under the microscope and are known as squamous cell carcinoma. The signs of oral cancer include the presence of persistent white or red patches in the mouth and non-healing ulcer. Progressive enlargement and swelling, sudden tooth mobility, surface changes, unusual oral bleeding are attributed to oral cancer.

The causes of oral cancer include chewing betel, or Areca, alcohol, family history of cancer and human papillomavirus infection.

Oral cancer treatment involves surgery to remove a cancerous growth, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other drug treatment. Other things can be done to prevent oral cancer, which includes smoking avoidance, eating a well-balanced diet and limiting exposure to the sun.

Any person can perform a self-examination test by using a red light on the lips, or feeling your lips or gums with your fingers. Also, you may tilt your head backward and use your fingers to feel the surface of the roof of the mouth.