Understanding Oral Cancers: Causes, Pre-cancerous Lesions, and Diagnosis

Welcome to this comprehensive guide on mouth cancers. In this detailed piece, we’ll explore why oral cancer is more prevalent among men, discuss the hazardous effects of tobacco consumption, delve into the initial warning signs called pre-cancerous lesions, and finally, understand various types of mouth cancers caused by tobacco consumption.

Oral cancer is predominantly found in men. One of the primary reasons for this gender-specific prevalence is the increased consumption of harmful substances like tobacco, gutka, and kheni.

It’s essential to note that cancer doesn’t just appear overnight. It’s the result of years, sometimes decades, of continuous exposure to carcinogens.

When one consumes tobacco or related products, the area of the mouth where these substances are held undergoes a chemical reaction. Over time, this leads to the damage of tissues.

Abnormal cells begin to proliferate in this damaged area. Our body has a defence mechanism to eliminate such abnormal cells, but if the body fails to do so, the number of these cells increases exponentially, leading to the formation of tumours or cancer.

People who have been consuming these harmful substances for 5-10 years are at risk. Even if they quit, the threat of developing cancer can linger for another 10-15 years. This lingering danger is due to the long-lasting damaging effects of the chemicals on the cells.

Before cancer develops, there are often early signs or lesions that indicate the possibility of future cancerous growth. One of the most common pre-cancerous lesions is Leukoplakia, which appears as white patches inside the mouth.

While some people might witness a reduction in Leukoplakia with specific vitamin treatments and following medical advice, for others, it remains unchanged.

It’s crucial to understand that there’s a 5-10% chance of developing cancer from Leukoplakia.

Another alarming condition is Submucous Fibrosis. In this state, the jaw doesn’t open fully, allowing only two or three fingers to fit inside the mouth.

The patient might experience difficulty in speaking, and the inner mouth appears tightened. This condition is a significant precancerous lesion with a high likelihood of progressing to cancer.

Read More: Throat Cancer : Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Tobacco, often perceived as a mere stress-reliever, conceals a dangerous secret: it contains around 400 chemicals, with 40 known to be carcinogenic. Gutka, a form of chewable tobacco, is similarly laden with these harmful substances.

When consumed regularly, these chemicals interact with oral cells, upsetting their natural state. This disruption can cause mutations, leading to abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth patterns.

This isn’t just a minor health hiccup. This continuous exposure paves the path for malignant tumors, which can infiltrate surrounding tissues and spread.

The seemingly innocent act of consuming tobacco or gutka carries with it the heavy burden of potential oral cancers, silently eroding health with each use. Understanding this danger is crucial for anyone tempted to underestimate tobacco’s risks.

Diagnosis begins when someone identifies an unusual sore or lesion in the mouth, especially one that doesn’t heal and bleeds. In such cases, it’s imperative to seek medical advice immediately.

A biopsy of the affected area can determine the presence of cancer. When dealing with oral or tongue cancers, doctors may also recommend CT scans or MRI to understand the extent of the cancer’s spread.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the stage of cancer determined, the next step often involves surgery. Surgery remains one of the most effective treatments for mouth cancers.

After surgery, radiation therapy is often required. Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is a treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or shrink cancer cells.

The aim is to destroy or damage the cancer without hurting the surrounding healthy cells.

As outlined in the above sections, oral cancer is not a disease that materializes overnight. Its roots often lie in prolonged exposure to harmful substances, particularly tobacco in various forms, such as gutka and kheni. The prevalence in males is especially alarming, further underscoring the deep links between lifestyle choices and health outcomes.

Several early warning signs, like the pre-cancerous lesions Leukoplakia and Submucous Fibrosis, offer early detection and treatment opportunities. However, awareness and timely medical consultation are crucial.

Understanding the signs, the causative factors like the dangerous chemicals in tobacco, and the potential treatments can empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health.

The fight against oral cancer, like many other diseases, begins with prevention. Reducing or eliminating tobacco consumption, understanding the early signs, and seeking regular medical check-ups are the initial steps to a cancer-free life.

Regular screenings, timely diagnoses, and advances in treatments like radiation therapy can make the journey to recovery smoother for those affected.

For any further information, feel free to reach out to our experts. We are always here to assist you.