Mouth Cancer

It’s important to note that a number of conditions may cause these symptoms, not just mouth cancer.

• Lesions on the gums, the tongue, or lining of the mouth that do not heal in 14 days. These may be pale/white-ish in colour, or dark red
• A swelling of the jaw
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unusual bleeding or pain in the mouth.

If caught early, Mouth Cancer can be very effectively treated.

Diagnosing Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer will usually be found through a visible and/or tangible lesion within the oral cavity. The sides of the tongue are the most common sites for squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth. However, to confirm whether the lesion is cancerous or not, a tissue biopsy and microscopic evaluation of the cells in the sample will be required.

Mouth Cancer Treatment

If the cells are cancerous, surgery to remove the tumour is usually recommended (depending on the size and severity of the cancer). Some types of surgery include:

• Mandibulectomy: the lower jaw or part of it is removed.
• Glossectomy: total or partial removal of the tongue.

A feeding tube is often necessary, and sometime permanent, in order to maintain adequate nutrition.

Radiation, with or without chemotherapy, is used to support the surgery and target any remaining tumour cells. Chemotherapy is rarely used in conjunction with surgery – it will be used as a palliative treatment option if the cancer has spread extensively.

After treatment, rehabilitation will be a major part of the mouth cancer patient’s recovery. Due to the important nature of the facial structures which may be damaged throughout treatment, reconstructive, plastic surgery may be required. Oral prostheses are also an option for patients. Support will also be provided to improve jaw movement, eating functions such as chewing and swallowing, and speech.

A large proportion of mouth cancers are linked to changeable behaviours, such as:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Tobacco use
• Poor oral hygiene
• Any constant irritants such as ill-fitting dentures.

This research suggests that many oral cancers are preventable. Mouth cancers can also be triggered by chronic infections, and the Human Papillomavirus.