Mouth cancer

Oral cancer is characterized by the appearance of white or red sores in the mouth that do not heal, are painful and persistent, and progressively increase in size. They are located on the tongue, gums, cheek mucosa, tonsils, and palate. Occasionally, the first symptom may be difficulty swallowing or speaking, or the appearance of lymph nodes in the neck that do not disappear after appropriate treatment. Most of these tumors appear in patients who are long-term smokers and drinkers. However, oral cancer has also been reported in people who have never been exposed to these factors, and it is presumed that it may be the result of a viral infection (human papillomavirus, similar to the virus that causes cervical cancer).

If any of these symptoms appear, it is necessary to consult a head and neck surgeon. The use of creams, ointments, herbal remedies, and other local treatments is not recommended, as these can delay diagnosis. If there is even the slightest suspicion of malignancy, a biopsy of the lesion must be performed.

Early-stage tumors are treated with surgery, which involves removing the lesion and related lymph nodes in the neck. In more advanced stages, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are necessary.