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Oral Cancer: An Attentive Look at Oral Health
Oral cancer affects the mouth, including the lips, gums and tongue. But there are ways to prevent it. As a health professional, I want to talk about how to avoid this disease and take care of your mouth.
Law No. 13.230/2015 created the National Mouth Cancer Prevention Week. It aims to promote preventive actions and provide information about oral cancer. Early diagnosis can increase the chances of a cure by up to 95%
To prevent oral cancer, it’s important to avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol. It is also essential to keep your mouth clean and eat fruit and vegetables. Visits to the dentist every six months help to detect problems early.
Key learnings about oral cancer:
- Oral cancer is a disease that affects the structure of the mouth and can be prevented.
- Early diagnosis increases the chances of a cure by up to 95%.
- Adopting healthy habits, such as avoiding smoking and alcohol, maintaining good oral hygiene and eating a balanced diet, is essential for prevention.
- Regular appointments with the dental surgeon every six months are crucial for early detection.
- National Mouth Cancer Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of this issue.
Understanding Oral Cancer: Definition and Statistics
Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the lips and oral cavity. It is very common and a major public health concern in Brazil.
What is mouth cancer and its characteristics
Oral cancer grows uncontrollably in the cells of the mouth. It can appear in various places, such as the lips, tongue and gums. But if treated early, it has a good chance of being cured.
Statistical data and incidence in Brazil
The National Cancer Institute (INCA) says that there will be 11,180 new cases of oral cancer in men and 4,010 in women each year. The South and Southeast regions have more cases and deaths from this disease.
Risk groups and patient profile
Men over 40 who drink a lot of alcohol and smoke are more likely to get this cancer. But young people without these habits can also get the disease.
“Worldwide, there are around 275,000 cases of mouth cancer every year, and 90% of these are diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma.”
Main Risk Factors and Causes
Oral cancer is a complex disease with several risk factors. Harmful habits such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol are the main ones. They are linked to around 80% of cases.
Smokers are six to 16 times more likely to develop tumors in the mouth. Those who drink alcohol weekly have six times the risk. The combination of cigarettes and alcohol increases the risk 30-fold.
Other factors include poor diet, eating too much fat and spices, and exposure to the sun. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is also a risk.
Occupational exposure and environmental risks
Professionals in sectors such as agriculture and construction are at greater risk. This is due to exposure to substances such as cutting oil and asbestos. In addition, excess fat and electronic cigarettes are also risk factors.
| Risk Factor | Increased Risk |
|---|---|
| Smoking | 6 to 16 times |
| Alcohol consumption | 6 times |
| Combination of Tobacco and Alcohol | 30 times |
| Occupational Exposure | Variable |
| HPV infection | Elevated |
It is crucial to be aware of the main risk factors for oral cancer, HPV and oral cancer and occupational exposure. This helps to prevent and detect the disease early.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can show important signs and symptoms. Some of these signs may be from other, less serious conditions. But it’s crucial to keep an eye out for changes in the mouth and seek medical help.
The first signs of mouth cancer include
- Mouth or lip lesions that don’t heal after 15 days
- Red and whitish patches or plaques on the tongue, gums or cheeks
- Lumps or bumps on the neck
When the disease progresses, new signs may appear, such as:
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking
- Feeling of something stuck in your throat
- Difficulty moving the tongue
- Persistent hoarseness
Many of these symptoms of mouth cancer can also be from other, less serious oral lesions. It is therefore essential to see a health professional if the change persists for more than 15 days. This helps in the accurate diagnosis of oral cancer.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Mouth injuries | Non-healing wounds or ulcers |
| Stains and plaque | Red, white or mixed spots on the tongue, gums or cheeks |
| Neck lumps | Lumps or bumps on the neck, usually painless |
| Difficulty chewing | Difficulty biting, chewing and swallowing food |
| Persistent hoarseness | Hoarse voice that doesn’t improve with time |
“It is essential to see a doctor or dentist as soon as any change in the mouth persists for more than 15 days. Early diagnosis of oral cancer considerably increases the chances of a cure.”
Methods of Prevention and Early Diagnosis
Prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer are very important. This helps to provide more effective treatment. Oral self-examination and visits to the dentist are essential.
The importance of oral self-examination
Mouth self-examination helps to find early signs of mouth cancer. By looking in your mouth, you can see changes that could be a sign of something wrong. This is an important step in taking care of your oral health.
Regular dental appointments
Going to the dentist every six months is crucial. The dentist carries out a detailed check. They can find problems before they become serious.
Recommended Preventive Practices
- Maintain up-to-date oral hygiene, using fluoride toothpaste and flossing.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these are risks for oral cancer.
- Eating well, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, helps prevent oral cancer.
- Using lip balm to protect your lips from the sun is another risk.
- Practicing safe sex with a condom, as HPV is also a risk for oral cancer.
With self-examination, visits to the dentist and preventive practices, we can prevent and diagnose oral cancer early. This greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Available Treatments and Therapeutic Approaches
The treatment of oral cancer involves several professionals. Surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and dentists work together. They seek the best treatment for each patient.
For small tumors, surgery is the main choice. In larger cases, surgery and radiotherapy are used. Supportive care is also essential for the patient’s quality of life.
It is crucial to diagnose oral cancer early. This increases the chances of a cure. Regular check-ups with the dentist help a lot with early detection.
FAQ
1. What is oral cancer and what are its characteristics?
Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the mouth. This includes the lips, gums, cheeks, palate and tongue. It is a type of cancer that can appear in various parts of the mouth.
2. What are the statistics and incidence of mouth cancer in Brazil?
INCA estimates 11,180 new cases in men and 4,010 in women per year. The Southeast and South have the highest rates of oral cancer.
3. Who are the risk groups and the profile of oral cancer patients?
Men over 40 are the most common profile. But there are also cases in young non-smokers and non-drinkers.
4. What are the main risk factors and causes of oral cancer?
Risk factors include sun exposure, smoking and alcohol. HPV and substances such as cutting oil also increase the risk.
5. What are the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer?
Early signs are lesions that don’t heal and spots on the tongue or gums. In advanced stages, there is difficulty chewing, swallowing and speaking. Persistent hoarseness is also a sign.
6. How is oral cancer prevented and diagnosed early?
Self-examination is essential for prevention. It is important to be aware of changes in the mouth. Visits to the dentist every six months help with prevention. Good oral hygiene and avoiding smoking and alcohol are preventive practices.
7. What are the available treatments and therapeutic approaches for mouth cancer?
Treatment is surgical, ranging from simple to complex. In advanced cases, radiotherapy may be necessary. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to avoid complications.
8. What are the survival rates and prognosis for patients with oral cancer?
The prognosis of oral cancer varies significantly depending on the stage of detection. When diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate can reach 80-90%. However, in more advanced stages, this rate can drop to 20-30%. Important factors influencing prognosis include:
- Tumor stage at the time of diagnosis
- Specific location of the tumor
- Patient’s age and health conditions
- Response to treatment
- Adequate medical follow-up
9. Are there any sequelae or complications after treatment for oral cancer?
Yes, the treatment of oral cancer can result in various sequelae, such as:
- Changes in speech and chewing ability
- Swallowing problems
- Changes in facial appearance
- Loss of sensation in treated areas
- Dental problems
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Changes in taste perception
- Possible psychological impacts, such as depression and anxiety
10. What is the dentist’s role in the early detection of oral cancer?
The dentist plays a crucial role in the early detection of oral cancer:
- Preventive examinations at every visit
- Identification of suspicious and potentially cancerous lesions
- Guidance on risk factors
- Referral for complementary tests when necessary
- Performing initial biopsies
- Follow-up of non-healing lesions
- Patient education on warning signs
11. How does oral cancer affect the patient’s quality of life and what care is needed during treatment?
Oral cancer can have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life:
- Changes in diet and nutrition
- Communication difficulties
- Possible changes in appearance
- Psychological and emotional impacts
- Interference with professional and social activities
Necessary precautions during treatment include:
- Nutritional monitoring
- Psychological support
- Oral hygiene care
- Pain management
- Physiotherapy and speech therapy
- Family and social support
- Strict adherence to medical treatment
- Regular follow-up appointments
This care is essential to minimize the impact of treatment and improve the patient’s quality of life during and after oral cancer treatment
What did you think of today’s post?! I hope you enjoyed it and that it was of great value to everyone!!!
Don’t forget… prevention is the best way!!!
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll be happy to answer them!
Warm Hugs,
Smiling Mom
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