WHAT IS ORAL CANCER?
Oral Cancer is a disease that starts as an uncontrolled growth of cells in the mouth. It leads to disfigurement of the face, debility of body and eventually death.

SOME KINDS OF ORAL CANCER

IS IT VERY COMMON?

Oral Cancer is the most common of cancers in India with as many as 64,460 cases reported each year. That makes it as common as cancer of the lungs, breast or cervix. As much as 7% of all cancer deaths in males and 4% in famales have been reported to be due to oral cancer. The figure continues to rise rapidly because of bad oral habits such as chewing of gutka, tobacco, and smoking among

WHAT ARE THE EARLY WARNING SINGS?

A white or red patch in the mouth or on the tongue, a painless ulcer which doesn’t heal for over two weeks, difficulty in eating, drinking and speaking are some of the early sings of oral cancer. If these symptoms appear, you must see your dentist immediately.

CAN I EXAMINE MYSELF?

Yes, you can, in fact it is strongly recommended because early detection can greatly increase the chances of a complete cure.

• Stand in front of a mirror in good light.
• Open your mouth wide. Look for small lumps or swelling, ulcers, a red or white patch.
• If you have dentures, take them out and inspect your mouth.]
• Inspect the lips with your mouth both open and closed.
• Stick your tongue out and inspect the margins, as well as below the tongue.

WHAT ARE THE EARLY CLINICAL INDICATORS?

A good dentist is trained to recognize the clinical symptoms of an early oral cancer:

Leukoplakia

It is a raised white patch, which is associated with the constant chewing of tobacco and gutka. 2.8% of oral Leukoplakia results in cancerous growths.

Oral submucous fibrosis

It is the inability to open the mouth and / or a burning sensation which affects 9 per 10,000 Indians.

Lichen Planus

It is a skin affliction occurring in the mouth. It can be caused due to stress and diabetes.

Anaemia

It is a deficiency of iron very common in India, which can lead to the development of oral cancer.

CAN ORAL CANCER BE CURED? HOW?

If detected early, oral cancer is curable. The smaller the ulcer or affliction, the better the chances of cure.

Treatment involves the surgical removal of the afflicted parts followed by radiation. Chemotherapy is rarely advocated. Cancer of the lip shows 85% cure-rate. Other oral cancers if detected early and treated promptly, may prolong the life of the patients, by as much as 20 years.

HOW TO AVOID ORAL CANCER?

• Avoid bad oral habits like chewing tobacco, gutka and smoking. These bad habits increase your chances of getting oral cancer dramatically.
• East a diet rich in fiber, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and dairy products such as butter milk.
• Visit your dentist twice a year.
• Brush twice a day and maintain good oral hygiene.

Pick the one out:
1. The common clinical condition that may transform into oral cancer is…. Leukoplakia / Arthritis / Lichen Planus / Submucuos Fibrosis.
2. The early warning sigins of oral cancer include:
Red & white patch / Discoloration of lips / Non-healing ulcer / Difficulty in opening the mouth.
3. The chief causes of oral cancer are… Chewing Gutka, Paan, Tobacco, Smoking Chewing Bubble Gum, Bad oral hygiene.

The Correct answers are
1. Arthritis
2. Discoloration of lips
3. Chewing Bubble Gum.