Here at The Priors Dental Practice we are supporting Mouth Cancer Action Month, which takes place throughout November and is the UK’s biggest charity campaign for mouth cancer awareness. Since the first event in the year 2000, the Oral Health Foundation have invested nearly £2 million on improving awareness and education around mouth cancer.
The promotion, protection and education of this important campaign is key to raising awareness of mouth cancer, as the more we know about mouth cancer, the better chance we have of beating it. Our latest article explores the signs, symptoms, facts and figures and key causes of mouth cancer to enable early detection.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer or cancer of the oral cavity, is often used to describe a number of cancers that start in the region of the mouth, which develop when abnormal cells grow and divide inside your mouth. These most commonly occur on the lips, tongue and floor of the mouth but can also start in the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils and salivary glands .Over the last year, 8,337 people in the UK were given the life-changing news that they have mouth cancer and these numbers continue to rise while the disease claims more lives than cervical and testicular cancer combined.
Types of mouth cancer
A cancer that develops on the inside or outside layer of the body is called a carcinoma and these types of cancer are categorised by the type of cells the cancer starts in.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of mouth cancer, accounting for nine out of 10 cases. Squamous cells are found in many places around the body, including the inside of the mouth and under the skin. Less common types of mouth cancer include: Oral malignant melanoma – where the cancer starts in cells called melanocytes, which help give skin its colour and adenocarcinomas – cancers that develop inside the salivary glands.
Who does mouth cancer effect?
Anyone can be affected by mouth cancer, whether they have their own teeth or not. Mouth cancers are more common in people over 40, particularly men. However, research has shown that mouth cancer is becoming more common in younger patients and in women, with the number of new cases of mouth cancer on the increase. In the UK alone, this has increased by over half in the last decade.
What can cause mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer occurs when something goes wrong with the normal cell lifecycle, causing them to grow and reproduce uncontrollably. Up to 90% of all mouth cancers are linked to lifestyle factors, which means that with a few small changes, you can help cut your chances of developing mouth cancer.
Smoking
Smoking increases your risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten times compared with non-smokers. This includes smoking cigarettes, pipes and cigars. Around two in every three (more than 60%) mouth cancers are linked to smoking and there is also evidence that second-hand smoke at home or in the workplace may increase a person’s risk of mouth cancer.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol to excess increases your risk of mouth cancer. Alcohol is linked to just under a third (30%) of all mouth cancers and smoking and drinking together trebles a person’s mouth cancer risk. UK guidelines recommend a maximum of 14 units of alcohol a week for both men and women.
Smokeless tobacco products
Smokeless tobacco is any tobacco product that is placed in the mouth or nose and not burned. The types of smokeless tobacco products most used contain a mix of ingredients including slaked lime, areca nut and spices, flavourings and sweeteners. That includes gutka, khaini, paan (betel quid), shammah and maras powder, snus, snuff, and many others.
Poor Nutrition
A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been linked with increased risk of oral cancer, so it is recommended that you eat a healthy, balanced diet including lots of fruit and vegetables each day. Increasing evidence also suggests that Omega 3, found in foods such as eggs and fish, can help lower your risk. Foods high in fibre such as nuts, seeds, whole-wheat pasta and brown rice, are also said to do the same.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer. This can occur either from natural sunlight or sunbeds, leading to skin cancer on the lips as this area is often exposed to UV radiation. Protect yourself by wearing a lip balm with a high SPF.
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
HPV is a major cause of vaginal, anal, and oral cancer. It is spread through unprotected sex, so a good way to protect yourself against it is to use barrier contraception (like condoms and dental dams).
Previous history of cancer
Those who have had mouth cancer are at greater risk of developing it again. There are also other cancers which can mean a person is more likely to get mouth cancer. These include: Oesophagus cancer (of the food pipe), Squamous cell skin cancer, Cervical cancer, Penile cancer and Anal cancer .
Genetics
Mouth cancer can also be more likely for those who carry certain inherited genes. Links have been found for those with genetic conditions affecting the bone marrow, skin or fingernails. Research also shows those undergoing treatment for HIV or AIDS, and those taking medication after organ transplants are slightly more at risk of mouth cancer. This is because some of the medications used in these cases can weaken the immune system.
Family history
Although we do not know why, there is a slight increase in risk of mouth cancer if you have a close relative diagnosed with the disease.
How to spot mouth cancer
As mouth cancer can strike in a number of places, including the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks, and given that early detection is so crucial for survival, it’s extremely important that we all know what to look out for. Three signs and symptoms not to ignore are:
- Mouth ulcers which do not heal in three weeks.
- Red and white patches in the mouth.
- Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area.
When checking for signs of mouth cancer you should follow the following routine:
Head and neck
Check if both sides look the same and search for any lumps, bumps or swellings that are only on one side of the face. Feel and press along the sides and front of your neck being alert to any tenderness or lumps to the touch.
Lips
Pull down your lower lip and look inside for any sores or changes in colour. Use your thumb and forefinger to feel the lip for any unusual lumps, bumps or changes in texture. Repeat this on the upper lip.
Cheek
Use your finger to pull out your cheek so that they can see inside. Look for red, white or dark patches. Then place your index finger inside your cheek, with your opposing thumb on the outside gently squeeze and roll the cheek to check for any lumps, tenderness or ulcers, repeat this action on the other cheek.
Roof of the mouth
With your head tilted back and mouth open wide, your dentist will look to see if there are any lumps or if there is any change in colour. They will run their finger on the roof of your mouth to feel for any lumps.
Tongue
Examine your tongue, looking at the surface for any changes in colour or texture. Stick out your tongue or move it from one side to another, again looking for any swelling, change in colour or ulcers. Finally, take a look at the underside of the tongue by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Floor of the mouth
Look at the floor of the mouth for changes in colour that are different than normal. Press your finger along the floor of your mouth and underside of your tongue to feel for any unusual lumps, swellings or ulcers. If you find anything unusual in any of these areas, or are unsure of anything, visit your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
The impact of mouth cancer
After a diagnosis of a mouth cancer you may be experiencing a range of emotions like fear, anxiety, confusion and uncertainty. There is also a lot of information to take in which can leave you overwhelmed. The recovery period can be a difficult time for some mouth cancer patients and after treatment, patients may have problems with breathing, swallowing, drinking and eating and also speech may also be affected, and occasionally even lost. Facial disfigurement can also occur in some cases. Survival rates have improved over the last 20 years and if cancer is caught early it can be cured.
Treatment for mouth cancer
Treatment for mouth cancer depends on the type of cancer, where it is located and how far it has spread.
Staging
Tests such as CT and MRI scans help to determine how far the cancer has spread. Staging helps your doctor decide on the best treatment options for you.
Surgery
A common treatment for mouth cancers is surgery to remove the tumour, particularly in early-stage cancer. The extent of surgery may depend on the size of the tumour and how far the cancer has spread. Surrounding tissue and lymph nodes may also be removed.
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)
Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy) can be used on its own to treat some small mouth cancers. Radiation therapy can also be used in combination with chemotherapy for more advanced cancers. Your doctor may also recommend radiation therapy after surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or shrink tumours. It can be used on its own or with radiation therapy. You may have chemotherapy to shrink a tumour before surgery or if cancer has come back after other treatments.
Palliative care
Palliative care aims to improve your quality of life without trying to cure the cancer. It may be recommended by your doctor to alleviate the symptoms of cancer or the side-effects of treatment.
Conclusion
Mouth cancer is usually detected by your dentist and if mouth cancer is spotted early, the chances of a complete cure are good, and the smaller the area or ulcer, the better the chance of a cure. However, too many people come forward too late because they do not have regular mouth examinations. For further information on Mouth Cancer please contact us here.
