Oral cancer is one of the less common forms of cancer, with it ranking 16th in the most common cancers worldwide. This type of cancer tends to affect men more than women, and is more common in those who are over 50 and who are smokers.
What types of oral cancer are there?
There are several types of mouth cancers, all of which can be traced back to the type of cell from which the cancer started. The most common form of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which develops in the squamous cells.
Some more uncommon forms of oral cancer include:
- Melanoma
- Verrucous carcinoma
- Lymphoma
- Odontogenic tumours
- Sarcoma
- Salivary gland cancer
How to spot symptoms of oral cancer?
If any of these symptoms persist for longer than three weeks, they should be raised with a dentist for examination. The symptoms include:
- Ongoing pain and discomfort
- Struggling to swallow
- Struggling to speak, this can make the voice sound hoarse and raspy
- A lump on the lip, mouth, neck or throat
- Red or white discoloured patches on the soft tissue
- An ulcer that lasts for three weeks
What to do if you suspect you have mouth cancer
An oral cancer diagnosis can be devastating; catching it early on gives individuals a better chance of treatment and recovery. Patients presenting any of the above symptoms for a prolonged period should approach their dentist with their concerns.
A dentist will be able to assess the mouth, feeling the surfaces of the mouth and looking for any visual signs of oral cancer. If necessary, the dentist can take a biopsy, which is a small tissue sample from the affected area.
A biopsy is done by numbing the area with local anaesthetic and then using a scalpel to remove a very small piece of soft tissue. This is then sent to a laboratory for further testing to establish if cancer cells are present.
Diet recommendations for patients with an oral cancer diagnosis
Eating and drinking can be affected during oral cancer treatment, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can impact how the taste buds function. This can cause the taste to be altered, which can be unpleasant for individuals to experience.
During cancer treatment, patients may find their appetite is affected, and for some, the process of chewing and swallowing can be uncomfortable or difficult. Patients suffering from these symptoms can often receive support from a dietitian. They can help to provide advice on the types of nutrient-rich foods that are easy to eat for the patient.
One example of dietary adjustments that can be made is to move to a soft food diet, where there is less strain on the mouth to chew and swallow.
If you or somebody you know has any concerning symptoms, it’s critical to book an appointment. Early detection leads to better prevention and protection from irreversible damage to the soft tissues. More so, the mortality rate is much lower when caught and treated early in cancer formation.