What is cancer of the mouth?
Cancers of the mouth are quite rare in the U.K.
It is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the lips, mouth or tongue.
What is cancer of the throat?
The throat or pharynx is a hollow tube that starts behind the nose and goes down to the
neck to become part of the oesophagus (tube that goes to the stomach).
Air, food and liquids pass through the pharynx on the way to the
windpipe (trachea) or oesophagus.
The pharynx is divided into 3 distinct sections:
the nasopharynx (including the adenoids),
oropharynx (including the tonsils)
and the hypopharynx. A growing tumour in the throat may cause problems with your hearing, smell, taste,
speech or swallowing.
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A = Nasopharynx
B = Uvula
C = Hypopharynx
D = Larynx
E = Tongue
F = Oropharynx |
What causes cancer of the mouth and throat?
In some cases the exact cause of cancer is not
known. However, the primary cause of mouth and throat cancer is
smoking. People who drink excess alcohol are also at risk and when mixed with tobacco use, their chance of developing cancer is much greater.
Another factor of cancers of the mouth, especially
in the lips is prolonged exposure to sunlight or sun-beds, this
is also the major cause of skin
cancer. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, try to wear
a wide brimmed hat and apply a high factor sun-cream to your face
and lips.
Regular inhalation of coal dust, asbestos and
diesel fumes may also increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
Mouth cancers can appear in different forms,
depending on the area affected. Symptoms may include any of the
following:
- Painless ulcer or sores in the mouth that
do not heal.
- White, red or dark patches in the mouth that will
not go away.
- Ear-ache.
- Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth.
- A lump in your lip, mouth or gums.
- Enlarged lymph
glands in the neck.
- If the cancer affects the tongue it may cause
some slurring of speech.
- If the cancer affects the mouth it may cause
you to loose teeth or cause pain during swallowing or chewing.
Dentists when examining your teeth often spot
cancer of the lips and mouth. Make sure you have regular check-ups
at your dentist.
What are the symptoms of cancer of the throat?
The earliest symptoms of throat cancer are likely
to resemble the same symptoms that you may experience with a chest
cold. Symptoms caused by a tumour in the throat may include:
- Persistent sore
throat.
- Cough and hoarseness.
- Pain or difficulty in swallowing.
- Swollen lymph glands in the neck.
- Traces of blood in saliva.
- Ear-ache.
- Nosebleeds.
There are a number of non-serious conditions
that may also cause a number of these symptoms, if you are worried
about any symptoms you are experiencing, visit your doctor for help
and advice.
Am I at risk of mouth and throat cancer?
Cancers of the mouth and throat are more common
in men and people over the age of 45.
The Epstein-Barr virus is also known to be a
risk factor in the development of cancer of the throat. The Epstein-Barr
virus is the virus that causes glandular
fever. However, infection with the virus alone is not
sufficient to cause cancer, since this cancer is quite rare and
glandular fever is quite common.
Is there anything I can do to prevent getting cancer
of the mouth and throat?
The majority of mouth and throat cancers can
be avoided by stopping smoking and drinking excess alcohol. Maintaining
a healthy balanced
diet is also an important factor in the prevention of
most diseases.
How is mouth and throat cancer diagnosed?
The doctor will usually begin by examining the
mouth and throat using a mirror and lights. The doctor may then
feel the mouth and throat with a gloved finger, for any lumps or
swellings. You may then be asked to have a blood test and a X-ray
to check your general health. The doctor can only confirm a diagnosis
of mouth and throat cancer by taking a sample of the cells (biopsy)
from the suspected cancer. These cells will then be analysed under
a microscope.
What treatment is available for cancer of
the mouth and throat?
As with all cancers the earlier the cancer is
found the better your chances are of effective treatment. The type
of treatment you receive will depend on the type and size of the
cancer and your general health. Most cancers of the mouth and throat
are treated with surgery to remove the cancer. The part of your
mouth or throat you have removed will depend on the location of
the tumour. An operation to remove the tumour may be all the treatment
you need. Some people may also need radiotherapy,
either on its own or in addition to surgery.
Chemotherapy may be used either in addition to surgery or radiotherapy. Your
doctor will discuss all options with you.
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