All you need to know about Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth or throat. This includes the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, tonsils, and the back of the throat.

Causes & Risk factors for oral cancer

• -Tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Weakened immune system
• Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer
• People who have a family history of oral family history of oral cancer or have previously had oral cancer are also at an increased risk.

Alarming symptoms of oral cancer include:

• An ulcer with duration of a month or more which doesn’t heal
• A white or red patch or any growth in the mouth
• Gradual reduction in mouth opening over a period of time
• Pain or difficulty when swallowing
• Changes in voice or speech

Get Diagnosed as early as possible…
Most of the oral cancer are preceded by pre cancerous oral lesions. If patient consults the dentist at this stage, oral cancer can be prevented.

What are the Pre-cancerous oral lesions or Oral potentially malignant disorders??
These are the lesions or diseases which occurs before the development of Oral cancer. These lesions have the potency to be transformed into oral cancer if not diagnosed & treated at an early stage.
Examples of some common disorders of this category include:
Oral submucous fibrosis(OSMF)– Characterised by reduced mouth opening, burning sensation, reduced tongue movement & altered voice.
Leukoplakia– It is white or red patch or growth that occurs on inner side of cheeks, tongue or palate.
Lichen planus– It is also mixed red or white patch occurs on inner side of cheeks.

How to reduce the risk of oral cancer?

• Avoid consumption of any type of tobacco (smokeless &/or Smoking) & Alcohol. Your dentist can help you to quit the habit.
• Consume healthy diet.
• Consult an oral physician whenever any of above symptoms are experienced.