By: Dr. Abhishek Kr. Pandey, Medical Correspondent-ICN
LUCKNOW: Today, Oral pharyngeal cancers are responsible for 2-3 percent of all cancer deaths. It is sixth most common cancer among white males and fourth most common among African- American males. Oral pharyngeal cancers include those of lips, tongue, pharynx and oral cavity. Black’s are more likely to diagnosed at advanced stages than whites. Typically these cancers takes several years to progress to advanced stages.
Cancer occurs when normal cells undergo a transformation whereby they grow and multiply without normal control.
The primary risk factors for developing oral cancers includes tobacco and alcohol, as well as exposure to sun for lip cancer.Tobacco is considered as the primary culprit. People who use both tobacco and alcohol products have increased risk of oral cancer. Other risk factors includes not consuming proper diet and not using proper methods of sun protection.
More than 90% of oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. They begin in the flat squamous cells found in the lining of mouth and throat. Oropharyngeal cancer starts inside the part of throat directly behind the nose. The symptoms of these cancer includes painless swelling or lump in the neck, sore throat, earache, change in voice, unexplained weight loss, difficulty in swallowing etc.
Oropharyngeal cancer can be treated more successfully when it diagnosed early. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used to treat oropharyngeal cancer. The treatment depends on the stage and grade of the cancer. Following treatment, it is important to have careful head and neck exams to look for signs that the cancer has come back. Check ups will be done every 6 to 12 weeks in the first year, every 3 months in the second year, every 3- 4 months in the third year, and every 6 months thereafter.
PREVENTION TIPS –
Oral cancer is a highly preventable disease and also very treatable, if caught early.
1. Don’t use tobacco in any form. If you use tobacco, quit.
2. Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day if you’re a woman or two drinks per day if you’re a man.
3. Stay out of the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when sunlight is strongest.
4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
EARLY DETECTION
1. Have an oral cancer screening by your dentist at your regular check-up.
2. Look at your mouth in a mirror once a month. If you see something different, tell your dentist.
