Oral Cancer Prevention Starts with You
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents Have you ever checked your mouth for early signs like a sore or ulcer that could indicate something more serious? Most of us don’t, and that’s exactly why oral cancer often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. It may not always make headlines, but oral cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of cancer when caught late. So, what can you do? The answer begins with awareness and having the right tools at your fingertips. That’s where Cellmaflex steps in. Whether you’re making a booking for a screening without having to make a single phone call, checking your test results securely from anywhere, or following your entire medical history, it’s all achievable with Cellmaflex. Here in this blog, we will discuss all that you should know about oral cancer, including symptoms and causes, and oral cancer prevention. What is Oral Cancer and Why Does Awareness Matter? Oral cancer (mouth cancer) is the general term for cancer that affects the inside of your mouth. Oral cancer may appear as a common issue with your lips or in your mouth, such as white spots or sores that bleed. What distinguishes a common issue from possible cancer is that they do not go away. Without treatment, oral cancer can extend throughout your mouth and throat to other parts of your head and neck. It’s usually dwarfed by other cancers during awareness campaigns, but it’s among the most malignant when found late. Awareness is important since early detection equals saved lives. And with digital platforms such as Cellmaflex, more individuals are able to access regular screenings, monitor symptoms, and connect with experts without obstacles. Global Statistics: A Wake-Up Call Oral cancer continues to be a major global health issue, with more than 377,713 new cases annually reported worldwide, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. Despite the progress in the health sector, the disease continues to claim a massive number of lives, resulting in an estimated 177,757 deaths in the year 2020. Trinidad and Tobago’s age-standardised rate of incidence of lip and oral cavity cancer was about 1.7 per 100,000 population as of 2020, as reported by the WHO. These striking statistics emphasise the importance of greater awareness, early diagnosis, oral cancer prevention and improved access to health care, particularly in areas where regular screenings and treatment are lacking. What Causes Oral Cancer? Oral cancer starts in the squamous cells in your oral cavity. Squamous cells are flat and, when viewed under a microscope, look like a fish scale. Normal squamous cells become cancerous when their DNA changes in ways that lead to uncontrolled growth and multiplication. Over time, these cancerous cells can spread to other areas inside of your mouth and then to other areas of your head and neck or other areas of your body. Several risk factors contribute to the development of oral cancer: Tobacco use (both smoking and smokeless) Excessive alcohol consumption HPV infection, especially from certain sexual behaviours Poor diet lacking fruits and vegetables Chronic poor oral hygiene Genetic predisposition By understanding these risks, you can make proactive lifestyle changes and schedule regular screenings using Cellmaflex to stay one step ahead. Early Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore Oral cancer has several signs and symptoms that may be mistaken for common problems or changes in the mouth. For example, you may notice patches inside your mouth that you cannot scrape away. These patches may be precancerous conditions. Persistent sores in the mouth that do not heal Red or white patches inside the mouth Lumps or thickened areas in the cheek or gums Difficulty chewing or swallowing Numbness or pain in the mouth or jaw The patches in the mouth and throat can appear in different colours: Leukoplakia: These are flat white or grey patches in the mouth or throat. Erythroplakia: These are slightly raised or flat red patches. These patches might bleed when scraped. Erythroleukoplakia: These patches are red and white. Emotional & Social Toll of Oral Cancer Oral cancer isn’t just physical; it deeply affects emotional and social wellbeing: Many patients face depression and anxiety, especially after surgery or during treatment. Side effects like facial disfigurement, speech difficulties, and eating problems can lead to social isolation. A strong support network and access to social and emotional care are essential. Thanks to Cellmaflex, patients can access care teams, track appointments, and receive reminders for counselling from one platform. Diagnosis and Tests Your dentist may spot potential oral cancer during one of your regular check-ups. They may follow up with preliminary tests or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or head and neck surgeon. These specialists are also called ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists. Oral cancer tests include: Physical examination: Your healthcare provider will look at the entire inside of your mouth and may feel around your mouth. They will also examine your head, face, and neck for potential signs of pre-cancer or cancer. Brush biopsy, or scrape biopsy or exfoliative cytology: Providers use a small spatula or brush to lightly scrape the suspected area to collect cells to be tested for cancer. Incisional biopsy: Your provider will take small tissue samples to obtain cells to be tested for cancer. Indirect laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy: Your doctor uses a long, thin handle with a small mirror on the end to examine your throat, the bottom of your tongue and the top portion of your larynx (voice box). Direct (flexible) pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy: They can use an endoscope to examine parts of your throat and mouth that cannot be viewed with mirrors. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a light and viewing lens attached. Management and Treatment: What Are Your Options? Treatment for oral cancer usually includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, individually or together. Your health care professional will work out a plan based on such aspects as the stage and type of cancer, age, and general well-being. Surgical methods
