Causes and Development
Oral cancers start when cells in the lips or mouth undergo DNA changes, known as mutations. These mutations cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Over time, these cancer cells can spread within the mouth and to other parts of the head, neck, or body.
Most oral cancers originate in the skin lining of the mouth from squamous cells, which are flat, thin cells lining the lips and mouth. The exact cause of these mutations is not always obvious, but several risk factors have been identified.
Risk Factors
- Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major risk factor for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Chemicals in tobacco can damage cells, leading to rapid, abnormal growth. Marijuana smoke and betel quid chewing are also linked to oral cancers.
- Alcohol Use: Frequent alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use, increases the risk of these cancers.
- Sunlight: Extended exposure to UV radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer, including lip cancer.
- HPV Infection: The human papillomavirus (HPV) that is linked to cervical cancer is also a disease-causing agent for certain mouth and throat cancers.
- Chronic Irritation: Poorly fitting dentures or other chronic irritants can increase the risk of oral cancer.
- Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: This is a rare disorder marked by anemia caused by iron deficiency, and a web-like growth of membranes in the throat that makes swallowing difficult.
Symptoms of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer symptoms can often be mistaken for other health issues. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis if you notice any unusual changes in your mouth or throat.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Oral cancer can present with various signs that might resemble common mouth problems. For instance, persistent patches inside your mouth that cannot be scraped away may be pre-cancerous conditions. These patches can appear in different colors:
- Leukoplakia: Flat white or gray patches
- Erythroplakia: Flat or slightly raised red patches that might bleed when scraped
- Erythroleukoplakia: Red and white patches
Other common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Persistent sores on the lips or inside the mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks
- Rough or crusty areas on your lips, gums, or inside your mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness, pain, or tenderness in your face, neck, or mouth without a clear cause
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
- Unintentional weight loss
- Earache
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- A lump in your neck
Oropharyngeal Cancer Symptoms
Oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the middle part of the throat, can have symptoms similar to other, less serious conditions. Common signs include:
- A persistent sore throat
- Pain or difficulty with swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully or moving your tongue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent changes in your voice
- Persistent ear pain
- A lump in the back of your throat or mouth or in your neck
- Swelling of the jaw or neck
- Coughing up blood
- A white patch on your tongue or mouth lining that doesn’t go away
- A muffled voice or a noticeable change in your voice
- The sensation of something being caught in your throat
