Say ‘ah’ to Prevent Mouth Cancer

The term ‘oral cancer’ has been used to describe any malignancy that arises from the oral tissues. It is the sixth most common form of cancer in the world. The five year survival rate for oral cancer is <50%.

This is because:                        

• Advanced stage of the disease when the diagnosis is made
• Distant metastasis of the disease
•  Poor response to chemotherapy

If oral cancer is diagnosed and treated early, has a five year survival rate of over 80%.

Logically, it should be easily detected at the early stage because oral cavity is the most easily accessible part of the body. Yet, in the majority cases, the diagnosis is made late.

The early stages of cancerous or malignancy ulcers are usually painless or asymptomatic, hence the delay in seeking medical help.

Oral cancer can present as an ulcer or an exophytic growth, and can occur anywhere in the oral mucosa (which is not painful initially) it usually occurs as a deep ulcer which does not heal even after two weeks, bleeds on touch, indurate or hard margins, with the edges raised.

There are a few things one can do to prevent the disease. 

Ø Abstaining from betel quid, tobacco, and alcohol. 

Ø Mouth self examination (say ah to prevent oral cancer)

  At least once in a fortnight

  Take an additional 2 minutes to stand in front of mirror and have a proper look in your mouth

  Look for any lumps or bumps in the mouth

  Look for any ulcer or break in continuity of the mucosa

  Look for any change in colour of the mucosa (e.g white or red patch)

  Seek medical advice for any ulcer which has not healed within two weeks.

There are approximately 7 steps to systematically examine your mouth:

1. 1.   Look at the lips with your mouth open and closed
   2.   Look at the inner aspect of your upper and lower lips by pulling your lips outwards.
   3.   Look on the inner aspect of your cheeks on both sides.
   4.   Examine the roof of your mouth, including the soft palate.
   5.   Protrude your tongue and take a look on the surface of the tongue and also both the sides of the tongue.
   6.   Lift your tongue up and look under the surface of the tongue and on the inner aspect of your teeth.
   7.   Feel for any swollen glands in the head and neck region.
   8.   Lastly, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist every six months ( or at least once a year)

 Remember that if you seek professional help early, it will help in the early diagnosis and early management of the problem, which give a better outcome.
 

By,

Dr M. Thomas Abraham

(consultant maxillofacial and oral surgeon)