Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer

Dr Ahmed Javed Butt 

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and lining of the mouth. It can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, including the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the lining of the cheeks, and the floor of the mouth. Symptoms of oral cancer may include a sore or lesion in the mouth that does not heal, a lump or mass in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained numbness in the mouth or face. Oral cancer is often diagnosed by a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope. Treatment for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Oral Cancer types

There are several types of oral cancer, including:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type of oral cancer, and it occurs in the squamous cells that line the mouth and tongue.

2. Verrucous carcinoma: This is a slow-growing form of squamous cell carcinoma that is more common in the gums and the lining of the mouth.

3. Lip cancer: This type of oral cancer occurs on the lips, and it can be either squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma.

4. Oral cavity cancer: This type of cancer can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, including the tongue, the gums, and the lining of the mouth.

5. Oropharyngeal cancer: This type of oral cancer affects the oropharynx, which is the part of the throat behind the mouth.

6. Oral melanoma: This is a rare type of oral cancer that occurs in pigment-producing cells in the mouth.

Treatment of oral Cancer

Treatment for oral cancer may include one or more of the following:

1. Surgery: This may involve removing the cancerous tissue and some surrounding healthy tissue, as well as reconstructive surgery to repair the mouth or jaw.

2. Radiation therapy: This involves using high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy: This involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given as a pill or injection, or it may be applied directly to the affected area in the mouth.

4. Targeted therapy: This involves using drugs that attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells, such as abnormal proteins or genes.

5. Photodynamic therapy: This involves using a photosensitizing agent and a special light to kill cancer cells.

The specific treatment plan for oral cancer will depend on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. It is important to work closely with a medical team to determine the best treatment plan.