The floor of mouth cancer usually starts from the tissue underneath your tongue. This mouth cancer occurs when the cells become out of control and form lesions or tumors. For this reason, taking care of your oral health is essential. If you don’t do that, you will be at high risk of developing oral cancer.
The floor of mouth cancer
People often mistook this oral cancer with canker sores. However, in most cases, dentists are typically the first to identify signs of the floor of mouth cancer. They often distinguish this cancer through a routine oral examination.
On the other hand, these symptoms may help you in identifying whether you have oral cancer or not. Have a look at them below and see if you have any of these symptoms.
You have a sore that can become larger over time.- Additionally, you find it difficult to move your jaw.
- Besides that, you also experience pain or swelling in your jaw or neck.
- Furthermore, you have loose teeth or experience pain around them.
- Another symptom is you can develop a lump that is not painful at all.
- Moreover, you are also having severe pain.
- You might even show a lack of appetite because of this cancer.
- Lastly, you may also notice either white, red, or dark patches inside your mouth.
You have a sore that can become larger over time.If you have observed any of these symptoms in your mouth, it would be best to seek your dentist’s help about it. Acting sooner is best to prevent the condition from worsening. This oral cancer can spread into your neck if you do not apply for treatment at the earliest possible time.
Risk factors
The floor of the mouth cancer has factors that can increase its risk of development. The following contribute to the higher possibility of having oral cancer:
- If you are a smoker or tobacco product user, you are most likely to develop oral cancer. According to studies, about 90 percent of individuals with oral cancer use tobacco products.
- Additionally, being an excessive alcohol drinker can also increase your chances of developing floor of mouth cancer.
- You may also develop this oral cancer if you have an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Lastly, some medications that suppress your immune system also contribute to an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
Generally speaking, the first two factors are the highest contributors fro developing oral cancer. You might as well think about quitting these habits before they cause you more health damages.
Treatment options
Your doctor may consider any of the following treatment options that will fit your oral condition:
- Surgery: The surgery type will depend on the size, type, location, and tumor depth of spread. Doctors have to evaluate how much cancer has spread out properly.
- Radiation therapy: This procedure includes the usage of beams of intense energy to kill the cancer cells. Your doctor can either use this alone or after surgery.
- Chemotherapy: It involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Doctors can use this either after surgery or in combination with radiation therapy.
- Photodynamic therapy: At first, the doctors will use medication to make the cancer cells susceptible to high-intensity light energy. After absorption of the medication, they will expose the cancer cells to a specific wavelength and light energy to activate the drug and destroy cancer cells.
- Reconstructive surgery: It is the process of restoring mouth function. However, it will still depend on the size, location, and spread of cancer.
- Rehabilitation: After surgery or radiation therapy, a patient might need to undergo rehabilitation therapies, such as speech therapy.
- Palliative care: It is the option that provides pain relief and other symptoms of a severe illness. Different people might even give an extra layer of support while undergoing your treatment, such as your family.
Your doctors will depend on your treatment option on the stage of your oral cancer. Generally speaking, diagnosis plays a vital role in determining the most appropriate treatment.
Prevention
Most importantly, the best thing you can do is to prevent it in the first place. It would be best to do the following preventive measures as soon as possible.
- Quit using tobacco products. Don’t even think to start it at all.
- Put limitations when drinking alcohol. Drinking in moderation is necessary.
- Additionally, try to consider getting a vaccine for the anti-HPV infection. It will help reduce your risk of developing HPV-related cancers, such as the floor of mouth cancer.
- For the most part, visit your dentist regularly. Always get your regular dental care to ensure your oral health is in good condition. Your dentist will be able to find out if you have potential oral health issues that need medical treatment.
Bottom line
Cancer can be a result of our lifestyle habits. If we don’t take care of our health correctly, we will develop several illnesses in the long run.
