Mouth and Tongue Cancer

Mouth cancer is defined as cancer that arises in any area of the mouth (oral cavity). Mouth cancer can affect the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheek lining, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth (below the tongue). Oral cancer, or oral cavity cancer, is a type of cancer that develops inside the mouth. Mouth cancer is one of several malignancies classified as head and neck cancers. Mouth cancer and other head and neck malignancies are frequently treated similarly.

Symptoms

Mouth cancer symptoms may include persistent lip or mouth sores, a white or reddish patch inside your mouth, loose teeth, growth or lump within your mouth, mouth discomfort, earache, and difficulty or uncomfortable swallowing.

Causes

Mouth cancers originate when cells on the lips or in the mouth change (mutate) their DNA. A cell's DNA includes instructions that teach it what to do. The mutations instruct the cells to continue growing and dividing when healthy cells would perish. Abnormal mouth cancer cells can accumulate and form a tumor. They may spread inside the mouth over time and to other areas of the head and neck, as well as other sections of the body.

Mouth cancers typically start in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line your lips and the inside of your mouth. Most oral malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas. It is unclear what causes the mutations in squamous cells that contribute to mouth cancer. However, doctors have found factors that may raise the risk of oral cancer.

Risk factors

Tobacco, strong alcohol use, excessive sun exposure to your lips, a sexually transmitted virus known as human papillomavirus (HPV), and a weaker immune system can all raise your chance of developing mouth cancer.

Prevention

• Stop using tobacco or do not start. 

• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure on your lips. 

• Regularly visit your dentist.  

Diagnosis

Physical examination and tissue removal for testing (biopsy) are among the tests and methods used to diagnose oral cancer. Once mouth cancer has been discovered, your doctor will work to assess the extent (stage) of the malignancy. Mouth cancer staging tests can include:

Use a small camera to inspect your throat. During a procedure called endoscopy, your doctor may pass a small, flexible camera equipped with a light down your throat to look for signs that cancer has spread beyond your mouth.

• Imaging testing. A variety of imaging techniques can help identify whether cancer has progressed beyond the mouth. Imaging examinations may include X-ray, CT, MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, among others. Not everyone needs each test. Your doctor will decide which tests are necessary based on your condition.

• Mouth cancer stages are denoted by Roman numerals I through IV. A lower stage, such as stage I, denotes a smaller malignancy restricted to a specific location. A higher stage, such as stage IV, implies that the cancer has spread to other sections of the head and neck, as well as other parts of the body. Your doctor can select your treatment options based on the stage of your cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for mouth cancer is determined by the location and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences. You may receive only one form of treatment or a combination of cancer treatments. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are among the treatment possibilities. Discuss your choices with your doctor.

Conclusion

Mouth and tongue cancer are dangerous illnesses that must be detected early and treated promptly to enhance survival rates. The most common causes are tobacco and alcohol use, as well as HPV infections. Recognizing the symptoms—such as chronic mouth sores, lumps, difficulty swallowing, and changes in the tongue or throat—is critical for obtaining prompt medical assistance. A physical exam, biopsy, and imaging tests are often used to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its spread. Once diagnosed, treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and newer medicines such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and location of the cancer.