Dr. Sanjay Hunugundmath, Lead Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Sahyadri Hospital, provides insights into head and neck cancers, particularly focusing on oral cavity cancers. These cancers include a range of types, such as oral cavity cancers, oropharyngeal cancers, nasopharyngeal cancers, laryngeal cancers, and upper cervical esophageal cancers. In this blog, we will explore the etiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options for oral cavity cancers.
What Are Oral Cavity Cancers?
Oral cavity cancers can develop in various parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums, jawbone, tongue, and buccal mucosa. Understanding how these cancers develop is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.
Risk Factors for Oral Cavity Cancers
- Tobacco Use:
Tobacco is the most notorious culprit for causing oral cavity cancers. Forms of tobacco consumption, such as chewing tobacco (zarda), betel nut (paan), and gutkha, contain carcinogens that significantly increase cancer risk. In fact, one in eight cancers can be attributed to tobacco use.
Alcohol Consumption:
Alcohol, particularly when used in conjunction with tobacco, has a synergistic effect that greatly increases cancer risk. The likelihood of developing oral cavity cancers increases four to five times when alcohol and tobacco are used together.- Tobacco Use:
Diagnosing Oral Cavity Cancers
Early diagnosis of oral cavity cancers is crucial for effective treatment. The following methods are commonly used:
- Self-Examination:
Regular self-examination of the mouth can help in early detection. Dentists play a vital role in identifying lesions in the buccal mucosa and tongue. They can spot non-healing ulcers or other abnormalities that may indicate cancer. - Clinical Examination:
If a persistent ulcer or abnormal growth is detected, patients should consult an oncologist. A clinical examination will involve palpation and visual inspection to assess the characteristics of the lesion. - Biopsy:
If a suspicious lesion is identified, a biopsy is performed. A small tissue sample is extracted and sent for histopathological analysis to determine the presence of cancerous cells.
Imaging Studies:
After a diagnosis is confirmed, imaging studies such as CT scans may be conducted to assess the extent of the disease and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
Treatment Options for Oral Cavity Cancers
The primary treatment for oral cavity cancers is surgical intervention, particularly when the cancer is localized.
- Surgical Excision:
The main modality of treatment involves surgically removing the tumor. The removed tissue may be replaced with grafts from other areas of the body, such as the thigh, to maintain functional integrity. - Adjuvant Treatments:
Post-surgical treatments depend on the cancer stage. If the cancer is staged as one or two, additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation may not be necessary. However, for stages three and four or if lymph nodes are positive, post-operative radiation therapy is crucial to ensure all cancer cells are eradicated.
Future Discussions:
Future discussions will cover the specifics of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for higher stages of oral cavity cancers.
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