Decoding Oral Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis & Treatment

Oral cancer is one of the top ten cancers in India. Among females, oral cancer accounts for about 3.8% of all cancer cases. The prevalence of oral cancer is linked to rampant tobacco and alcohol consumption, particularly in tribal regions like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha etc.

The Indian Cancer Society has recently published in its report that the total number of new cases of Indians affected with oral cancer annually is estimated to be above 1 lakh. This makes India the country with the most people affected by oral cancer in the world. Currently, every 19 cases per 100,000 people are of oral cancer. 

These findings suggest oral cancer is one of India's most significant health problems. This article will guide you in detail regarding oral cancer, its symptoms, and possible treatment methods.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a malignant disease affecting the oral cavity, i.e., the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palates, sinuses, and throat. It poses a significant health risk, but early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

What are the Apparent Oral Cancer Symptoms? 

Oral cancer is a slow-growing disease, making it difficult for patients to detect it in the early stages. However, based on their intensity, oral cancer symptoms can include some or all of the following conditions:

• Sores or ulcers in the mouth that don't heal
• Persistent pain or numbness in the mouth or lips
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Lumps, thickening, or rough spots in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
• Changes in voice or hoarseness
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Swelling of the jaw
• A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat

It's important to remember that other, less severe conditions can also cause these symptoms. Still, consult a doctor or dentist immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, such as sores, lumps, or difficulty swallowing. These conditions could be symptoms of oral cancer and should not be ignored.

What are the Key Risk Factors Associated with Oral Cancers?

Oral Cancer is a type of cancer that is caused by poor oral hygiene and exposure of the oral cavity to harmful substances. Accordingly, these are key risk factors associated with oral cancers:

• Tobacco Consumption: Smoking and smokeless tobacco are major risk factors responsible for the majority of oral cancers.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol use, especially in combination with tobacco, significantly increases risk.
• HPV Infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) are linked to oropharyngeal cancers.
• Direct Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can increase the risk of lip cancer.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate oral hygiene practices may increase risk. People who don’t brush their teeth properly and have oral issues like pyorrhea and gingivitis are at a high risk of developing oral cancers. 
• Age and Gender: Oral cancer is more common in older individuals and men. This means that elderly people consuming harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol are pretty vulnerable to this disease.

Do Genetic Disorders Cause Oral Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, some inherited or acquired gene mutations might be a factor behind oral or oropharyngeal cancers. However, these mutations rarely contribute to the development of oral cancer.

Some people inherit DNA mutations from their parents, but that only increases their chance of having certain cancers. These inherited gene mutations are not opined to cause oral cavity cancers, particularly the oropharynx. 

However, those who have specific genetic syndromes such as dyskeratosis congenital or Fanconi anaemia are much more prone to this disease. This means that if such patients consume harmful products like alcohol and tobacco, they run a high risk of developing oral cancer. Hence, they must abstain from all such substances.

How to Detect Oral Cancer Symptoms?

Given below are some early diagnostic tests to detect early oral cancer symptoms:

• Physical Examination: A thorough examination of the mouth, throat, and neck to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities.
• Biopsy: Removal of a small tissue sample for microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans to determine the extent of the cancer and its spread.

How can Oral Cancers be Treated?

Given below are a few possible treatment methods for oral cancer:

• Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tissue and potentially surrounding lymph nodes.
• Radiation Therapy: Use high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Use drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Use drugs to target specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Use drugs to help the body's immune system fight cancer.

However, prevention is the most effective way to stay safe from this dreadful appalling disease.

How to Prevent Oral Cancer?

As rightly said, "Prevention is better than cure” Oral cancer is a condition that can be prevented easily by abstaining from unhealthy habits and taking certain precautions, such as—

• Avoid Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake significantly reduces risk.
• HPV Vaccination: Vaccination against HPV can help prevent oropharyngeal cancers.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly and visit the dentist for routine checkups.
• Protect Lips from Sun Exposure: Use lip balm with SPF.
• Early Detection is Key: Regular dental checkups and self-examinations can help identify early signs of oral cancer, leading to prompt diagnosis and treatment and improved chances of recovery.
• Consult Medical Help: If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, such as sores, lumps, or difficulty swallowing, you must consult a doctor or dentist immediately.

Can I Get Health Coverage Against Oral Cancer?

The likelihood of being covered against oral cancers depends upon the root cause and the period of pre-existence of the disease. Suppose the root cause of the disease is consuming tobacco in any form (cigarette, khaini, zarda, gutkha, etc.) or drinking alcohol in excess. In that case, this will be considered a permanent exclusion and won’t be covered.

However, oral cancer can also be caused due to HPV infection. In that case, the period of pre-existence of the disease will be considered, and the claim will be processed accordingly. You should carefully read the PED waiting period clause before filing a claim.

>>Read More : Find Out The Best Health Insurance Plans for Cancer Patients?

Stay Financially Protected Against Cancer with Cancer Mediclaim

Cancer treatment can be expensive. Cancer insurance provides financial support to help patients and their families manage the high treatment costs. It covers various medical expenses associated with cancer treatment, including hospitalisation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other therapies. Knowing that you have financial protection in the event of a cancer diagnosis can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on your treatment and recovery.

So, with due concern for your physical and financial health, you should get yourself and your family covered for critical illnesses today and live a stress-free life.

Disclaimer: Verifying the policy details and coverage with the official policy documents is essential. Also, kindly consult a professional medical expert to verify the details of health concerns.