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Mouth Cancer


About this topic


The mouth is the part of the body that lets you breathe, speak, chew, and swallow food. It is made up of many parts. These include: ‚  
  • Lips
  • Tongue
  • Top of the mouth or palate
  • Gums
  • Inside muscle lining of the cheeks
  • Upper and lower jaw
  • Tonsils and uvula
  • Floor of the mouth

Cancer happens when normal cells in the body grow out of control. Mouth cancer is also called oral cancer. You can have a mass or cells in any part of your mouth. These cells grow quickly and out of control. Most mouth cancers are found on the lips, inside of the mouth, or on the tongue. They may start as a white patch or as a sore that will not go away. ‚  

What are the causes?


Doctors do not know exactly what causes cancer. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Smoking tobacco or cigarettes
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Drinking too much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
  • Being male
  • Age 40 years and older
  • Too much exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun (cancer of the lips)

What are the main signs?


  • Red and white patches in the mouth
  • Mouth sore or ulcer that does not heal
  • A lump or thickening of the skin inside the mouth
  • Pain in the tongue, jaw, or when you swallow
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing food
  • Sore throat
  • Hoarseness or change in voice
  • Weight loss
  • Numb feeling of mouth or lips
  • Trouble saying certain words

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor may feel your head and neck for swollen lymph nodes. You may need to have a biopsy to check for cancer. The doctor may order tests like: ‚  
  • X-ray test
  • CT or MRI scan
  • Endoscopy
  • PET scan
  • Barium swallow test

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your treatment will be based on the type of cancer cells that are found. It will also depend on the size and if the tumor has spread outside of the gland. Your treatment may include surgery, radiation, or drugs called chemo. ‚  
The doctor most often suggests surgery to remove oral tumors if they are small enough and have not spread to other parts of the body. ‚  
The doctor most often suggests these treatments for large tumors. ‚  
  • Radiation therapy ¢ ˆ ’ Kills and shrinks cancer cells
  • Chemo ¢ ˆ ’ Uses one or more drugs to weaken and kill cancer cells

What lifestyle changes are needed?


  • Eat healthy foods. Proper nutrition and healthy eating will help keep your body strong and recover fast. Ask your dietitian to help you make an eating plan. Drink at least 8 glasses of fluids each day.
  • Physical activity and exercise may improve your energy and help make your body strong.
  • Stop smoking and chewing tobacco.
  • Avoid drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) or caffeine.
  • Get lots of rest and sleep. Try to take naps if needed.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Kill cancer cells
  • Control pain
  • Prevent infection
  • Help with side effects like upset stomach and throwing up

Will there be any other care needed?


You may need to have different kinds of therapy. This may help you with chewing or moving the muscles in your face or neck. Your doctor may also suggest you talk with a therapist about any worries or concerns. ‚  

Helpful tips


  • Join support groups to get to know other people who have coped with the condition.
  • Get regular dental check-ups.

Where can I learn more?


American Cancer Society ‚  
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/OralCavityandOropharyngealCancer/DetailedGuide/index ‚  
American Dental Association ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer ‚  
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association ‚  
http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/oralcancer.htm ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer-of-the-mouth/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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