Oral cavity cancer

The oral cavity cancer arises anywhere in front of the mouth and includes any cancer that begins in lips, tongue, inner surface of the cheeks, palate (the front part of the roof of the mouth) or gums. This type of cancer result from uncontrolled division and growth of abnormal cells that may appear on the surface lining the oral cavity, calling itself, in most cases, squamous cell carcinoma.
Although the number of new cases of oral cavity cancer have been declining slowly over the past two decades, it is still very common in men, especially those who have habits of smoking, alcohol abuse and excessive sun exposure .
Individuals with cancer of the oral cavity are more likely to develop other types of cancer, including the larynx (including vocal chords), esophagus or lung. In fact, when diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity about 15% of cancer patients already have another, although not diagnosed, and 40% are at risk of developing another type of cancer in the future.
Treatment
When clinicians assess the growth of cancer usually attach a "stage". A tumor at stage 0 or stage I is located in one place and not spread to adjacent tissue too. A tumor stage III or IV can have developed into or beyond the surrounding tissues.
The treatment offered depends on where the cancer started and its stage. The most common treatment in cancer pavement oral surgery involves the removal of some tumor and healthy tissue around it. If the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes, you must remove them to try to prevent the cancer from spreading to other body parts.
However, for some small tumors the treatment of choice may be radiotherapy. In this case only the X-rays are high energy that will kill cancer cells. In some patients already undergoing a surgical intervention may be offered radiotherapy in order to have the certainty that all cancer cells are destroyed. Even if we can not cure cancer, radiotherapy is crucial to alleviate some uncontrolled symptoms such as pain, bleeding and difficulty swallowing.
In oral cavity cancer chemotherapy is often used to reduce the size of tumors prior to surgery or to alleviate symptoms if it is too large to be operated.
If this type of cancer is diagnosed at an early stage (stage I and II), the chances of cure are very high if they are treated with surgery or radiotherapy. The latter treatment modality can irritate healthy tissue in the mouth or throat, but is, in itself, the best option for some patients.
When tumors are the most advanced (stage III or IV), presenting with large, involving more than one part of the mouth, or spread to the lymph nodes, can only be treated with more extensive surgery associated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both.
After the cancer has been treated, it may be necessary to conduct therapy to regain the ability to speak and swallow. If you have had major surgery, may also need a cosmetic surgery.

Prevention
The main risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco. Alcohol consumption is another important risk factor, particularly if associated with smoking.
If you smoke, get the help you need to quit this habit. If you smoke or have done in the past, watch the onset of signs and symptoms suspicious. Ask your doctor or dentist that you evaluate your mouth at least once a year to identify the presence of abnormal areas and thus help find cancer early.
Cancer lip is closely associated with prolonged exposure to the sun. If you spend much time outdoors, especially as part of your job, take the following steps to protect yourself:
• Try to avoid the sun during the middle of the day, when this is strongest.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use sunscreen and lip balm to protect against ultra-violet light.