हिंदी
Mouth cancer, among various types of cancer, can be significantly preventable through lifestyle adjustments and the elimination of detrimental habits like tobacco chewing, alcohol consumption, or cigarette smoking. Commonly referred to as oral cancer, it originates in the oral cavity, encompassing the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of the mouth. Preventing the abnormal growth of mouth cells involves maintaining oral hygiene through proper practices such as teeth brushing, flossing, and periodic toothbrush replacement. As the sixth most prevalent cancer globally, mouth cancer predominantly affects men due to their addictive habits like chewing tobacco, supari, or pan masala.
Indicators of mouth cancer manifesting in dental conditions include:
- Cancer caused by sharp teeth injuring mouth tissues: Poor dental health, particularly sharp or cavities-ridden teeth, can contribute to two types of cancers by injuring oral tissues.
- Undefined infection around teeth and gums: The condition of a patient’s teeth during daily chewing habits can lead to issues such as loose teeth, ulcers around the jaw, swollen gums, jaw swelling, or persistent, often excruciating, pain that requires prompt attention.
- Changes in voice: Prolonged hoarseness or noticeable alterations in voice quality may signify cancers affecting the nasal, nasopharyngeal, laryngeal, or vocal cord regions.
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): Throat or esophageal cancer may be suggested by difficulty or pain while swallowing, a sensation of a foreign body, or regurgitation of undigested food.
- Lumps or masses: Immediate attention is necessary for persistent lumps or masses in the neck, throat, or mouth, as they could indicate cancerous growth.
- Chronic bad breath (Halitosis): Despite oral hygiene practices, unresolved bad breath may indicate oral tumors in the tongue or jaw.
- Persistent mouth sores: Sores or ulcers in the mouth that fail to heal could be indicative of oral cancer, underscoring the importance of regular dental check-ups.
- Difficulty moving the jaw: Tumors affecting the bones, muscles, or nerves in the head and neck region can result in trismus, difficulty in opening the mouth.
- Dental changes: Indicators of jaw cancer include spontaneous tooth loss, loose teeth, or poorly fitting dentures. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and intervention.
