Recognizing oral cavity cancer in good time: what signs you should look out for
Created: 03/14/2022, 18:19
By: Samira Mueller
White or red patches in the mouth could indicate oral cancer.
(Iconic image) © Westend61/Imago
Oral cavity cancer is often recognized late.
But there are some symptoms that point to the disease early on.
Frankfurt – Around 10,000 people develop oral cavity cancer in Germany every year, as published by the oncology guideline program in its “Patient Guideline Oral Cavity Cancer”.
About 7500 of them are men.
But women are also affected by this type of cancer, which many people are not even aware of.
The numbers would increase worldwide.
Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the oral mucosa, as reported by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.
The disease usually only occurs after the age of 50.
The smaller the cancer and the earlier it is detected, the better it can be treated.
However, oral cavity cancer is often not recognized until it is too late.
Detect oral cavity cancer: Smoking and alcohol can increase the risk of cancer
However, it is not clear why oral cavity cancer develops.
However, certain lifestyle habits can increase the risk.
People who smoke and drink alcohol are 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer than people who neither smoke nor regularly drink alcohol.
Even after the diagnosis, smoking has an unfavorable effect on the further course of the disease, as reported by the German Cancer Society.
In addition, poor oral hygiene and an unbalanced and unhealthy diet can also promote cancer, according to the dental network DentNet.
But how do you recognize oral cavity cancer?
There are some signs that indicate a disease, for example changes in the oral mucosa or non-healing wounds in the mouth area.
At first, the changes are painless.
According to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, pain, fatigue, loss of performance, loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss can also occur as the disease progresses.
Oral cavity cancer is often detected too late: These symptoms indicate the disease
If the following signs persist for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor or dentist:
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white or red patches in the mouth that don't wash off
mouth sores that bleed a little
swelling in the mouth
Trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking
increased salivation
poor tongue mobility
numbness in the mouth
In order for the doctor to be able to diagnose oral cavity cancer, he takes a tissue sample from the mouth.
A detailed examination can determine whether the patient has cancer.
Prevent oral cavity cancer: brush your teeth regularly and go to the doctor
How oral cancer is treated depends on how the disease progresses.
If the tumor is still small, doctors can either operate on it or irradiate it, as the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians announced.
If the cancer is more advanced, radiation or radiation chemotherapy is often added to the operation.
But what is the best way to prevent oral cancer?
In any case, the mouth should be well cared for.
Teeth, gums and tongue should be brushed twice a day.
Regular visits to the dentist are also very important.
Also pay attention to changes in the mouth area yourself and clarify them at an early stage.
When diagnosed with lung cancer, a new drug could make therapy easier*.
(Samira Müller)
*fr.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
The information given in this article does not replace a visit to a doctor. Only experts can make the right diagnosis and initiate appropriate therapy. The intake of medication or dietary supplements should be discussed with a doctor beforehand.