According to statistics, oral cancer represents some 10% of all cancer cases, and compared with other locations for cancer, oral cancer has a faster evolution and leaves mutilating marks after surgery. Oral cancer tumors have a much greater impact on the evolution of health in the population.
Risk factors - Like it is with any type of tumor, the causes for the occurrence of early oral cancer are multiple and often unknown. Specialists say that some of the most important and relevant causes for oral cancer are tobacco and alcohol and irritations of the oral mucous membrane. Tobacco associated with alcohol is considered the main risk factor in the appearance of early oral cancer. Also, another factor for the occurrence of lip cancer can be prolonged exposure to sun, especially for people who are active in farming or working the fields. At the same time, a decrease in the body’s immunity is another factor that can lead to a form of cancer, inclusive early oral cancer.
Red or white spots in the mouth - Specialists agree that the signs of early oral cancer are in the form of small red or white spots located in the mouth, especially on the interior wall of the cheek. Usually, these nodules appear without a specific cause, on the roof of the mouth, interior of the cheek, on the gums on the tongue, etc. The patient does not pay too much attention to these nodules, because they are not accompanies by pain. It is highly indicated that people go to the dentist on a regular basis, so that these nodules may be discovered in time, in the early stages of the disease.
How can oral cancer be prevented - In order to prevent the occurrence of such tumors, you firstly need to eliminate the factors that could trigger it. People who smoke and drink hard liquor need to give up this habit as soon as possible. Also, prolonged exposure to the sun needs to be avoided and the diet needs to be balanced. The consumption of fresh fruit helps the body fight the factors that could trigger early oral cancer.
One extremely important thing is the early detection of any form of cancer, while a timely administration of treatment could lead to a complete cure. Unfortunately, most patients that go to the doctor with cancer symptoms do this when the cancer is in pretty advanced stages. Due to their lack of education, the patients wind up at the doctor’s office with the disease in very advanced stages, and in most cases there can be nothing else done to save the patient’s life.