Mega Bored
Regardless of what kind of cancer you have, the word ‘cancer’ alone is very scary and anyone who is diagnosed with it seemed to be aware of their impending doom. That is why it is important that you take care of yourself and make sure that you are as healthy as you can be.
However, staying fit alone can’t save us from getting cancer. The sad truth is, anyone can get cancer even if they are the healthiest person in this planet. It could be due to genes, the lifestyle, stress and among many others. Now there are many kinds of cancer identified; it could be lungs, ovaries, liver and many others. One of the most dreaded kinds of cancer is oral cancer and in order for you to see if you have oral cancer, this article can help you with that.
Risk factors
Who are susceptible to oral cancer? According to research, men are more prone to developing this kind of cancer compared to women. Men who are aged 50 years old and above pose the greatest risk. Smokers are also among the many people who can get this cancer. So if you smoke a few packs of cigarettes every day, you might as well think about it now.
People who consumed too much alcohol are also prone to cancer. In fact, oral cancer is most likely to form 6 times more than those who are non-drinkers.
If you have a family history of cancer or have been exposed to sun at a very young age, chances are, you might just develop this condition.
Non-smokers and non-drinkers might also get oral cancer. It has been studied that about 25% of oral cancer occur to those who don’t smoke or drink, so you might as well watch out for that.
Signs and Symptoms
Of course oral cancer doesn’t just pop up and decide to grow in your mouth in one day. There are obvious signs and symptoms that you should see before this condition worsens. All you need to do is be observant about it.
Oral cancer patients may notice swelling or thickening of lumps and bumps around the lips, gums and the insides of the mouth. There are also rough spots or crusts around it. There is also a variety of patches on the mouth which are often white or red. There is bleeding in the mouth which cannot be explained and numbness. There is also pain and tenderness in the affected area of the mouth, face and neck.
Sores may also develop and becomes persistent on the face, mouth and neck. They bleed easily and do not heal for weeks. There is also a feeling of soreness in the back of the throat. The person may also have difficulty in swallowing, speaking, chewing and even moving the jaw or tongue. Because of this, the person may often have sore throat or sore throat that does not heal hoarseness or changes in voice.
Ear pain may also be felt by the patient. The teeth may change in appearance and may not fit together any more. The person with oral cancer may also lose weight dramatically. So if you can see these signs and symptoms early, it’s best to contact your physician as soon as possible.
Treatment
Like any other forms of cancer, the best option of treatment would be chemotherapy or radiation. However it is important that the doctor is able to identify the severity of the cancer in order to have the proper option of treatment.
Having cancer is not a joke. It’s often heartbreaking especially when one undergoes treatment. That is why it is important that you know how to take care of yourself by eating a balanced diet and regular checkups. Proper observation of any changes in your body can also help.
