| Although oral and pharyngeal cancer is one of the
most preventable of all cancers, the mortality rates are very high. The
fact that it is most amenable to early detection emphasizes the importance
of the clinician's knowledge of risk factors and clinical manifestations
for oral cancer.
Causes
These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other,
less serious problems. It is important to see a dentist or doctor about
any symptoms like these, so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated
as early as possible.
Tobacco use--smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco or
eating Gutka accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of oral cancers. A number
of studies have shown that cigar and pipe smokers have the same risk as
cigarette smokers. Studies indicate that smokeless tobacco users are at
particular risk of developing oral cancer. For long-time users, the risk
is much greater, making the use of snuff or chewing tobacco among young
people a special concern.
People who stop using tobacco--even after many years of use--can greatly
reduce their risk of oral cancer. Special counseling or self-help groups
may be useful for those who are trying to give up tobacco. Some hospitals
have groups for people who want to quit.
Chronic and/or heavy use of alcohol also increases the risk of oral cancer,
even for people who do not use tobacco. However, people who use both alcohol
and tobacco have an especially high risk of oral cancer. Scientists believe
that these substances increase each other's harmful effects.
Some studies have shown that many people who develop oral cancer have
a history of Leukoplakia, a whitish patch inside the mouth, or Erythroplakia
which appears as a reddish patch in the mouth. The causes of Leukoplakia
are not well understood, but it is commonly associated with heavy use
of tobacco and alcohol. The condition often occurs in irritated areas,
such as the gums and mouth lining of smokeless tobacco users and the lower
lip of pipe smokers.
People who think they might be at risk for developing oral cancer should
discuss this concern with their doctor or dentist, who may be able to
suggest ways to reduce the risk and plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.
All of us have to worry about tooth decay, but after the age of 40, the
risk for an even more serious condition increases dramatically: oral cancer!
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Chemotherapy
