Keeping a check on your oral health is as important as monitoring your heart or your brain health. Every system in your body is interconnected and being aware of each part of the body helps you gain insights on how healthy you are. Your mouth is also at risk of several oral health conditions, most of which are largely preventable and can be treated at an early stage, as per the World Health Organization (WHO). These include tooth decay, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, and oral cancers.
Oral cancer is the most life-threatening condition. However, due to lack of awareness, it is also prone to delayed diagnosis. Besides going to a dentist or a doctor for regular checks, it is also important to conduct self-examinations. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vishnu Agarwal, Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, shares how.
Also Read: What Is Oral Cancer? Symptoms And Causes By Expert
Understanding Oral Cancer And Its Symptoms
Dr Agarwal defines oral cancer as any cancerous tissue growth in the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and gums. According to him, it is a severe health concern that can lead to various complications if not detected and treated early.
Oral cancer accounts for about 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, or about 54,000 new cases in 2022, as per the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR).
Worldwide, it is the sixth most common cancer, accounting for more than 3.7 lakh new cases and 1.77 deaths in 2020, says a study in the Journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Persistent sores
- White or red patches
- Unexplained bleeding
- Numbness
- Difficulty swallowing
- A chronic sore throat
How To Self-Examine Oral Cancer
“Self-examination is essentia,” says Dr Agarwal. Here’s how you can conduct it yourself:
Step 1: Inspect your lips and the inside of your mouth.
Step 2: Examine your tongue's top, sides, and bottom.
Step 3: Check the roof and floor of your mouth.
Step 4: Feel the neck and throat for unusual lumps or swellings.
Risk Factors To Note And Preventive Measures
Oral cancer mostly occurs in people aged 40 and above. According to NIDCR, it affects more than twice as many men as women. Furthermore, tobacco use, drinking alcohol, or both, are the cause of most oral cancers and most throat cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Also Read: Causes And Prevention Of Mouth Cancer, Expert Weighs In
- To reduce your risk, here’s what you can do:
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake
- Practise safe oral sex to reduce the risk of HPV
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Regular dental check-ups can help in early detection
Bottomline
Oral cancer can spread quickly, which is why detecting it early is key. Besides your regular dental checkup, self-inspection of your mouth can also be effective in timely diagnosis of oral cancer. Educate yourself about the symptoms, risk factors, and the treatments available for oral cancer.
