According to a World Health Organization (WHO) statistic, more than 1 crore people throughout the globe pass away from cancer each year. Cancer is a dangerous illness that is spreading quickly across India. The nation is home to roughly 27 lakh cancer patients, according to data from India Against Cancer. In India, cancer claimed the lives of nearly 8.5 lakh individuals in 2020. According to a study at the National Library of Medicine, cancer may be entirely cured if we lead a healthy lifestyle. In between 5 and 10 percent of cancer cases, it has been reported. Unhealthy living choices are the root cause of all other malignancies. The primary causes of cancer include drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and using tobacco products. The main causes of oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, include smoking, using tobacco, and gutkha. Cancer may be entirely treated if detected early on.
According to Dr. Aditya Sarin (Associate Consultant, Cancer Department, Sir Gangaram Hospital), oral cancer is defined as cancer that has spread from the mouth to the trachea. The lining of the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, or beneath the tongue are all possible locations for oral cancer to develop. If cancer cells form in the windpipe, it is known as oropharyngeal cancer. There are various different forms of oral cancer, but squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent. Squamous cell carcinoma affects 90% of mouth cancer patients.
Signs of oral cancer
– According to Dr. Aditya Sarin, those who are diagnosed with oral cancer often struggle to swallow.
– In addition, blisters or ulcers might develop within the mouth, which persist even after taking medication.
– Smokers’ teeth begin to get yellowish, and they may even develop oral blisters. The medical professional said that oral cancer is very painful and does not improve with therapy.
– Lumps may also develop in the throat and neck. The tooth or gum also gets loose.
– The lips and tongue tingle. The tongue and mouth’s lining begin to develop white and red spots, and even the voice changes.
causes of oral cancer
According to the expert, the majority of instances of oral cancer are caused by smoking cigarettes, using tobacco products, and gutkha. Alcohol use and the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also be to blame.