Lawrence Chow / ENT Doctor
Oral Cancer: How To Prevent It?
Oral cancer is the 9th most common type of cancer worldwide. Spreading to other parts of the body, oral cancers can be life-threatening. Often there are no symptoms in the early stages. If you experience any, they will often be due to pain, discomfort or bleeding. This article looks at the causes of oral cancer, their risk factors, ways to prevent it so that you can recognise them and get help if necessary.
Causes of Oral Cancer
The causes of oral cancer are not completely clear. Some sources say that it is believed that the human papilloma virus (HPV) and tobacco play a critical part in the development of this type of cancer, while others believe it is more complicated than that. The HPV virus can be transmitted through oral sex and some strains can lead to oropharyngeal cancer, which is the most common variation of oral cancer.
Symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer symptoms are not always obvious, which means it can be difficult to detect.
Sometimes symptoms include difficulty swallowing or pain when chewing food.
The symptoms of oral cancer may be even more subtle.
Symptoms can also include persistent sore throat or swollen gums.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
There are many risk factors for oral cancer. Some of the most common are tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, profession that exposes you to radiation, and poor immune system. Consuming large amounts of an acid called nitrate can also lead to this type of cancer.
Ways to prevent Oral Cancer
It’s not always easy to detect because symptoms like pain, discomfort and sores can be caused by other things. The best defense against oral cancer is to make sure you get your teeth checked out regularly by a dentist.
Besides, one of the most important ways is to reduce your risk of infection. This can be accomplished by avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Also, avoid chewing on tobacco products. Tobacco contains a number of cancer-causing substances that increase your risk of oral cancer. These cancer-causing substances are absorbed through the lining of the mouth into your saliva and then swallowed, increasing your risk for developing oral cancer.Children with parents who smoke have an increased risk of developing oral cancer. If you smoke, it is recommended that you quit. Visit the tobacco cessation resources page for help in breaking the habit.
Also, anyone with a history of mouth cancer should have their head and neck checked regularly. If you have a family history of mouth cancer or other risk factors, your dentist will discuss what is appropriate for you personally.
Oral cancer screening is essential to early detection of any possible oral cancer. Most cases of oral cancer are found in the early stages. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that everyone 40 years of age or older have a complete oral cancer examination as part of their regular health examination. It is recommended that you visit your dentist or physician on a regular basis to have your mouth examined and teeth cleaned.
For more information about oral cancer, visit our site.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Second Cancers After Oral Cancer Treatment
For many people, treatment will successfully remove oral cancer while others may get regular treatment with chemotherapy or targeted therapy or other treatments to try keeping the cancer under control. People with oral cancer are hard not to worry about cancer coming back and risk for developing new cancers. Hence, it’s important to report any new symptoms to your ENT doctor right away to help finding recurrent cancer or a new cancer as early as possible when the cancer is small and easier to treat.
What is the second cancers after oral cancer treatment?
Is it possible to prevent recurrent cancer or a new cancer?
This article take a look on the second cancers after oral cancer treatment and its prevention.
Second cancers after oral cancer treatment
Cancer that comes back after treatment is called a recurrence. But some cancer survivors develop a new, unrelated cancer later. This is called a second cancer. In fact, oral cancer survivors are at high risk of second cancer. They include:
- Lung cancer
- Esophagus cancer
- Cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx
- Another cancer of the oral cavity
- Cancer of the oropharynx
- Stomach cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colon cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Cancer of the cervix
Many of these cancers are also linked to smoking and alcohol use, which are also risk factors for oral cavity cancer.
What to do to reduce the risk of a second cancer
- Quit smoking. As many of these cancers are linked to tobacco use, quitting tobacco can decrease your risk of many health problems, including second
- Follow-up after treatment. After completing treatment for oral cancer, you should still see your ENT doctor regularly. Your doctor may order tests to look for signs that the cancer has come back or spread. These tests are also useful in finding some second cancers. Let your doctor know about any changes or problems you notice, because they could be caused by the cancer coming back or by a second cancer.
- Maintaining good health. Oral cancer survivors should:
- Staying at a healthy weight
- Keep physically active and limit the time you spend sitting or lying down
- Follow a healthy eating pattern such as plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limits or avoids red and processed meats, sugary drinks, and highly processed foods
- Avod alcohol
- Getting emotional support
If the cancer recur, your treatment options will depend on where it is located, what treatments you’ve had before, and your overall health.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Types Of Surgery of Oral Cancer And Its Size Effects
Surgery is a common treatment for oral cancer to remove as much of the cancer as possible. However, some oral cancers can’t be removed with surgery. It depends on where the tumor is, how big it is, and where it has spread.
What’s the types of surgery for oral cancer and its size effects?
Here take a look on some types of the surgery and its common size effects.
Types of surgery for oral cancer
- Primary tumor resection. It removes the tissue in your mouth that contains the cancer, along with a little of the normal tissue around the tumor. If a large amount of tissue is removed, reconstruction may be used to rebuild the area.
- Mandible resection.If the cancer is in your jawbone, it may remove part or all of the bone. The jawbone may be rebuilt with bone from another part of your body, bone from a donor, or by putting in a metal plate.
- If the cancer is in the bone in the front part of the roof of your mouth that holds your upper teeth, it may need to remove part of the bone. You may be fitted with a prosthesis that fits into the roof of your mouth to cover the hole from surgery.
- Mohs micrographic surgery.If the cancer is in your lip, the Mohs method might be used to remove the cancer. Its goal is to help preserve the way your lip works and looks. The doctor shaves off 1 thin layer of skin at a time and examines each layer to check for cancer cells until no more cancer cells are seen.
- Removal of the tongue.The tongue may be removed in full or partially for cancer of the tongue.
- Neck dissection.This surgery might be needed to remove the lymph nodes in the neck and some of the nearby tissue if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in your neck. This is usually done when surgery is done to remove the tumor.
- This surgery is done if the cancer or surgery makes it hard to breathe. It makes a hole in the front of your neck into your windpipe to held open with a small tube called a tracheostomy tube allowing you to breathe through this tube. A tracheostomy may be short-term, or it may be permanent for the rest of your life.
- Feeding tube placement.A feeding tube is put in your stomach if the cancer or treatment makes it hard for you to eat. It goes in through the skin over your stomach. It may be short-term or permanent. Another option is putting an NG tube into your nose, down your swallowing tube, and into your stomach so that liquid nutrition can be put right into your stomach through this feeding tube. An NG tube is short-term.
Common side effects after surgery for oral cancer
- There are likely to have pain for the first few weeks after surgery and the pain can be controlled with medicine.
- Tiredness.
- Symptoms from lymph node removal. They include shoulder weakness, ear numbness, or weakness in your lower lip.
- Some people have bleeding or oozing from the cut.
- You may have constipation from using pain medicine, from not moving much, or from not eating much.
- You may have diarrhea from tube feedings, stress, or an infection.
- Bloated face. You may have facial swelling or bloating. This will go away over time.
- Eating problems. You may have trouble eating and drinking. A nurse or therapist will help you learn how to swallow after surgery. A feeding tube can help if needed.
If your teeth is removed as part of your surgery, there are many options for restoring teeth after surgery. After you heal from surgery, you may need more treatment, either radiation or radiation and chemotherapy to help reduce the chance that the cancer will come back.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Oral Cancer: Questions to Ask Your ENT Doctor
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth. It can also develop inside your mouth on your tongue, gums, lips, and other parts of your mouth. Spreading to other parts of the body, oral cancers can be life-threatening.
You should see the ENT doctor for further diagnosis when there are some signs and symptoms of oral cancer. But what should I ask the Doctor about oral cancer?
Here list some common questions to be asked. Not all of these questions may apply to you, but asking the ones that do may be helpful.
When informed to have oral cancer:
- What kind of oral cancer do I have?
- Where is my cancer located?
- Has my cancer spread beyond where it started?
- What is the stage of my cancer and what does that mean?
- Will I need other tests before we can decide on treatment?
When deciding on a treatment plan:
- How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer?
- What are my treatment options and why do you recommend to me?
- What is the goal of the treatment?
- Will this treatment affect the way I look?
- Should I get a second opinion and how?
- What are the chances I can be cured of this cancer with these treatment options?
- How quickly do I need to decide on treatment?
- What should I do to be ready for treatment?
- How long will treatment last?
- Will treatment affect my work?
- What risks and side effects can I expect from the treatments?
- What are my options if the treatment doesn’t work or if the cancer recurs?
During treatment
- Is there anything I can do to help manage side effects?
- What symptoms or side effects should I tell you about right away?
- How can I reach you on nights or holidays?
- Do I need to change what I eat during treatment?
- Can I exercise during treatment and what kind?
After treatment:
- Will I need a special diet?
- Are there any limits on what I can do?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- What kind of exercise should I do?
- What type of follow-up will I need?
- How often will I need to have follow-up exams and imaging tests?
- How will I know if the cancer has come back?
- What will my options be if the cancer recurs?
- How can I reach you in an emergency?
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Recovering from Oral Cancer – How to Cope?
Cancer is one of the most frightening words in the English language. It often conjures up images of death and pain, and people with cancer often face life-altering changes for many years to come. For many people with oral cancer, there is a long road ahead before recovering from the disease and getting back to their normal everyday lives.
The types of treatment available
There are many types of treatment for oral cancer. The goal of most treatments is to destroy or remove the tumor or cancerous tissue. It may take years of treatment before the cancer goes away completely. There are also some treatments that can kill cancer cells without removing them from the body. These treatments are called “chemotherapy” and they include radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
What should I expect at each stage of treatment?
The first stage of treatment is surgery. If the cancer has not spread beyond the base of tongue, it will be completely removed. If the tumor is in the glands of the neck, they may be removed as well.
The second stage is removing lymph nodes that are suspected to have cancerous cells. This stage will also include chemotherapy which can be given orally or through an intravenous needle. Radiation may also be given which kills any remaining tumor cells.
The third stage of treatment is supportive care. This includes things like medication to help with side effects and vitamins to make sure you are getting your daily nutrients due to loss in appetite or nausea from chemo treatments.
When can I start to live a normal life again?
It really depends on what you mean by “normal.” If you’re able to eat normal foods and go about your day without feeling like you’re living in pain, then yes, you can live a normal life. But if you’ve had radiation treatments or need to take medication for an extended period of time, it may be difficult to find normal. Seek help from loved ones and professionals to find out what’s best for your situation.
How long will the recovery process take?
It is impossible to predict how long the recovery process will take. It could be anywhere from weeks to months. The length of the process depends on various factors, such as the severity of the cancer, whether or not there were any complications during treatment, and if you had radiation therapy.
Tips for managing life during recovery
Although there are some days in the rough periods, it’s important to try to focus on doing things that give you pleasure and will help you heal.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a disease that develops on the lining of the mouth or throat. It starts as small lumps called papillomas. Oral cancer is broadly classified into two types – squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Depending on the type, it can also develop inside your mouth on your tongue, gums, lips, and other parts of your mouth. Early detection is vital because oral cancer can be deadly if it is not treated early on. Here take a look on the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and its treatment.
The Causes of Oral Cancer
The causes of oral cancer can be classified as such:
– Asbestos: Exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, which has been linked to oral cancer.
– HPV: A virus, known as human papillomavirus, can cause oral cancers. It is mostly passed through sexual contact and through oral sex with another person who has the virus.
– Tobacco: Smoking increases your chances of developing oral cancer because tobacco smoke contains carcinogens.
– Alcohol: Drinking alcohol reduces the risk of developing most cancers, but it enhances the risks for people who drink more than 5 drinks every day.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
There are many risk factors for oral cancer. The most common is smoking, but there are also many others. They include chewing tobacco, alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and family history. Another thing that increases the risk is the duration of exposure to ultraviolet light from natural or artificial sources.
Who is Likely to Get Oral Cancer?
According to Oral Cancer Awareness Month, adults who smoke and drink alcohol are more likely to get oral cancer. Those who work in professions with a higher risk of exposure to carcinogens, such as miners and painters, can also be at an increased risk for developing the disease.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The symptoms of oral cancer are not always clear, which is why it’s important to see a ENT doctor if you have any concerns. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include a lump or sore that does not heal within two weeks, difficulty swallowing, pain when chewing or talking, and a loose tooth.
Treatments for Oral Cancer
The most common treatments for oral cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The type of treatment recommended is based on the stage of the cancer. Typically, people are given a combination of these treatments because not one treatment will work by itself to cure or control oral cancer.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Lip Cancer: Potential Complications And Its Prevention
Lip cancer is a type of oral cancer which develops in thin and flat cells that line the lips, mouth, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, throat, hard and soft palates.
Although lip cancer is highly curable when diagnosed early, people previously with lip cancer have an increased chance of developing a second cancer in the head, neck, or mouth. Moreover, there are many potential complications of lip cancer.
What are potential complications?
- Cancer Spread. A lip tumor can spread to other areas of the mouth and tongue as well as distant parts of the body if left untreated. It becomes much more difficult to cure if the cancer spreads.
- Functional and cosmetic consequences. People may experience trouble with speech, chewing, and swallowing after the surgery to remove large tumors on their lips.
- Disfigurement of the lip and face due to surgery. This may be the problem caused after surgery. Reconstructive or cosmetic surgeons can rebuild the bones and tissues of the face.
- Other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. They include hair loss, weakness and fatigue, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, numbness in the hands and feet, severe anemia, weight loss, dry skin, sore throat, change in taste, infection, and oral mucositis, etc.
Prevention is better than cure. Hence, it’s important to know what your risk factors are in order to prevent it or detect it early on if you do develop symptoms.
What are the symptoms of lip cancer?
Signs and symptoms of lip cancer include:
- a sore, lesion, blister, ulcer, or lump on the mouth that doesn’t go away
- a red or white patch on the lip
- bleeding or pain on the lips
- swelling of the jaw
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have lip cancer if you have a sore or lump on your lips. Discuss any symptoms with your ENT doctor.
Who’s more likely to have lip cancer?
Your behaviors and lifestyle heavily influence your risk for lip cancer. There are some risk factors that may increase your risk for lip cancer. They include:
- tobacco use
- heavy alcohol use
- prolonged exposure to direct sunlight
- having light-colored skin
- being male
- having human papillomavirus (HPV)
- being older than 40 years of age
Prevention of lip cancer
You can reduce your risk of lip cancer by avoiding activities leading to lip cancer, and by taking care of your mouth. They include:
- avoid using tobacco
- avoid drinking excessive alcohol
- limit exposure to both natural and artificial sunlight
- get a full course of the HPV vaccine
- see your dentist regularly
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
Lip Cancer: Diagnosis And Treatments
Lip cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops from abnormal cells to form lesions or tumors on the lips. Some studies show that lip cancer is linked to the use of tobacco and heavy alcohol. People working outdoors are also more likely to have lip cancer.
As the lips are prominent and visible, lesions can be seen and felt easily. This allows for early diagnosis. Hence, the chance of survival after treatment is greater than 90%. This article will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of lip cancer.
Diagnosis of Lip Cancer
As early diagnosis is important, consult your ENT doctor as soon as possible if you have signs or symptoms. The doctor will perform a physical examination of your lips and other parts of your mouth to identify the abnormal areas and possible causes.
Then, the doctor will take a medical history and ask specific questions about your:
- health history
- smoking and alcohol history
- past illnesses
- medical and dental treatments
- family history of disease
- any medications you are using
If lip cancer is suspected, it requires a biopsy and a small sample of tissue that is removed from a tumor to diagnose cancer. Then, a pathologist will examine the cells under a microscope. If the biopsy results confirm that you have lip cancer, several tests are used to aid in the diagnosis to determine how far the cancer has progressed, or if it’s spread to other parts of the body.
Tests may include:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- PET scan
- chest X-ray
- complete blood count (CBC)
- endoscopy
Treatment of lip cancer
Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are some of the treatments available for lip cancer. Other possible options include targeted therapy and investigative treatments, such as immunotherapy and gene therapy.
As with other cancers, treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, how far it’s progressed and your general health. If the tumor is small, surgery will be performed to remove it. This involves removal of all tissue involved with the cancer, plus reconstruction of the lip (cosmetically and functionally).
If the tumor is larger or at a later stage, radiation and chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor before or after surgery to lower the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy treatments deliver drugs throughout the body and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading or returning.
Did you find the information useful? If so, continue reading our posts.
For details of our ENT services, diagnosis, and treatment, please consult our ENT specialist.
Source:
HK ENT Specialist Ltd.
Hong Kong based ENT clinic centre
For ENT Services, Audiology & Speech Therapy,
Sleep Disordered Breathing Management,
Hearing Aid Prescription & Medical Cosmetic Services
https://www.hkentspecialist.hk
註: 本站無論中文繁體，中文簡體和英文內容所提及的疾病和治療方法僅供讀者參考，並不代表本站推薦該種療法，亦不能代替專業醫生診治，讀者如有需要，應該尋求專業醫生意見或聯絡香港耳鼻喉專科。
另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。
另所有文章內使用的人名均為化名。