oral cancer, despite its rarity ( about 3% of the total number of patients), however, poses a significant risk. This disease also occurs in people who do not use tobacco products, but smokers are the main risk group. The main cause of cancer is smoking of all types of tobacco products, as well as pipe and chewing tobacco.
In Russia, up to 30,000 cases of oral cancer are registered annually. In Southeast Asian countries, where they not only smoke and chew ordinary tobacco, but also use betel and practice “reverse smoking” with the lit end of a cigarette directly into the mouth, the incidence is 50 percent or more of all cancer cases. An aggravating factor is the abuse of alcohol.
Forms
Oral cancer can visually take on various forms. All varieties of this disease can be divided into 3 groups according to the appearance of the tumor.
Ulcerative form
In 50% of cases of oral cancer, the pathological focus is a non-healing sore on the oral mucosa, rapidly increasing in size.
knotted shape
With this form of oral cancer, a lump forms in a certain area. The mucous membrane above it is either not changed or covered with whitish spots. These seals - nodules have a clear shape, quickly increase in size.
Papillary form
The tumor is a dense outgrowth hanging into the oral cavity. The surface of the outgrowth is covered, as a rule, by an unchanged mucous membrane. This type of tumor is more treatable than others because it does not spread to surrounding tissues.
Symptoms
The appearance of a pathological focus in the mouth, as a rule, is the first symptom of oral cancer. Often these manifestations are painless. The tumor can be located on the tongue, the inner surface of the cheeks, in the salivary glands. Lip cancer looks different from oral cancer, it looks more like skin cancer and is more often caused by sun exposure. Pipe smoking is one of the possible risk factors for lip cancer.
In the initial period of tumor formation, the patient may be disturbed by pain in the affected area. As the tumor grows, the pain may intensify, radiate to the temple or ear, and become painful for the patient. In addition, there may be increased salivation, difficulty chewing and swallowing food. And in the later stages, a sign of a tumor can be bad breath, which indicates the decay and infection of the tumor.
stages
- T1 Tumor less than 2 cm in diameter
- T2 - tumor diameter 2-4 cm
- T3 - 4 cm or more in diameter
- T4 - massive tumor with involvement of surrounding organs and tissues in the process
- N1 - a single metastasis in a regional lymph node on the side of the lesion up to 3 cm in diameter
- N2 - metastases in one or more lymph nodes up to 6 cm in diameter
- N3 - metastases in the lymph nodes more than 6 cm in the greatest dimension.
- M - indicates the presence of distant metastases
Grouping by stages. Stage 0: TisN0M0. Stage I: T1N0M0. Stage II: T2N0M0. Stage III: T1-3N1M0. Stage IV.. T4N0-1M0 .. T1-4N2-3M0 .. T1-4N0-3M1.
Diagnostics
For timely diagnosis of oral cancer, it is necessary to conduct a self-examination. However, there are areas that are difficult to see. It is recommended to have a check-up with a dentist once every six months. In case of alarming symptoms, an unscheduled examination of the oral cavity is necessary. If the dentist finds suspicious factors, he should refer the patient to a specialist ( maxillofacial surgeon). On his recommendation, a biopsy may be ordered. In this case, the biopsy does not require significant surgical intervention, so the selection of a tissue sample for further research is carried out in the office.
The presence of metastases in the cervical lymph nodes is determined by palpation, confirmed by a biopsy.
Treatment
Oral cancer, like other cancers, is more treatable the earlier it is diagnosed. Small lesions are treated with radiation or surgery. Large lesions require a combined approach to treatment. But the best way to prevent oral cancer, of course, is the timely prevention and rejection of risk factors - tobacco and alcohol.
Forecast
The prognosis depends on the form of cancer: the most unfavorable and difficult to treat is the ulcerative form of oral cancer. Papillary form - gives the highest percentage of complete cure. Cancer of the lip and anterior mouth is less malignant than cancer of the posterior mouth.
The five-year survival rate for oral cancer is quite high - about 65%, and for lip cancer - 90%.
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The appearance of a bump on the cheek can be caused by simple reasons or be a sign of a serious illness. If the bump does not go away, you should see a doctor. Usually, an examination is enough to diagnose the disease, but if necessary, the doctor prescribes an x-ray, angiography, and a biopsy. A bump or sore can cause inflammation of the mucosa, as they are susceptible to mechanical damage.
Varieties of tumors on the inside of the cheek c photo
Usually, the formation of a seal begins with mechanical damage. The appearance of a tumor on the inside of the cheek is caused by a number of reasons:
The most common viral infection leading to the formation of compacted tissue is the human papillomavirus. In children, tumors may be the result of a violation of tissue differentiation in the prenatal period.
- Seals consisting of epithelial cells are called epithelial. The most common are papillomas, nevi and Serra glands.
- The proliferation of connective tissues leads to the formation of fibromas, myomas, myxomas, pyogenic granulomas, epulis and neurinomas. Compacted tissue is formed from the cells of the mucous, muscle tissue, sheath of nerve fibers.
- Tumors of vascular origin are represented by hemangiomas and lymphogiomas. This type of tumor is soft, shrinks in size when pressed.
Causes of compaction
A dense ball on the inner surface of the mucosa is often the result of inflammation, the process is caused by dental causes. Redness and swelling occur after tooth extraction, during the eruption of the “wisdom tooth”, as a result of gum disease.
An infection that has struck the root of the tooth with insufficient quality treatment leads to the formation of an inflammation focus in the pulp chamber. The development of infection occurs more actively in a weakened body.
Inflammation of the salivary gland or lymph nodes can also lead to the appearance of a dense formation in the mouth (we recommend reading: inflammation of the salivary glands: signs with a photo and treatment). Edema is provoked by various infections, colds, mechanical blockage of the salivary duct. The process can spread to the entire cheek, eye area.
A small gradually increasing bump on the inside of the cheek may be a wen (lipoma). A characteristic sign of a lipoma is the rolling of the ball under the fingers. Different types of seals on the oral mucosa are shown in the photo.
Biting injury
The cheek injured by biting is exposed to pathogens that enter the mouth with food. Penetrating into the mucous membrane through the damaged area, they can cause a number of diseases:
- aphthous stomatitis is caused by pathogens of herpes, measles, influenza, diphtheria, as well as adenovirus and L-form staphylococci, occurs with relapses;
- herpetic stomatitis causes the formation of small painful sores, is cured within a week;
- in children, Bednar's aphthae can form, the formations have a yellowish tint, develop with poor oral hygiene;
- a traumatic ulcer is formed both as a result of a bite and due to brushing your teeth (we recommend reading: ways to treat a traumatic mouth ulcer: drugs and folk remedies).
The swelling or ulcer formed after the bite will go away on its own within 1-2 days. The disease develops in case of infection. The result of a bite is sometimes a blood ball that forms on the surface of the mucosa.
In the normal course of the process, the blood ball resolves within a week, but if this does not happen, you should consult a doctor.
papilloma virus
The growth caused by the papillomavirus is attached to the mucous membrane with a leg. First, one or more papillomas appear, scattered over the palate, gums, tongue, and the inside of the cheeks. However, a protruding papilloma often bites, a bleeding wound forms. Papilloma grows, turning into a bump.
The bump that has grown from the papilloma is surgically removed (see also: papilloma on the tongue: treatment methods and photos). It is not recommended to use chemical agents to eliminate it, as this can lead to the degeneration of the tumor into a malignant form.
Cyst or injury to the sebaceous gland
Swelling can form in the mouth from the inside when the sebaceous gland is blocked. The result will be the accumulation of the secret of the gland in the duct, its swelling, the formation of a capsule. The cyst is painless on palpation, resembling a ball.
Despite the significant size that the cyst can reach, the color of the skin does not change, the discomfort depends on the size of the formation. The cyst needs to be removed, for this, besides the aesthetic, there is another reason. The sebaceous capsule is easily inflamed. Inflammation is accompanied by pain, fever, pus formation. Excision of the cyst is necessary to remove the capsule. A well-performed operation will prevent further growth of the cyst and the formation of a focus of inflammation.
If an outgrowth appeared in the mouth from the inside, the cause could be frequent trauma to the salivary gland. A secret accumulates inside such a cyst. The growth is soft to the touch and does not cause pain, but it must be removed surgically. Like a sebaceous gland cyst, it can cause purulent inflammation.
The build-up requires attention also because oncological diseases manifest themselves in this way at the initial stage. The symptoms of salivary gland cancer cannot be recognized on their own. At the first stage, there may be no pain. An exception is the case when the branches of the trigeminal nerve are compressed. The patient experiences discomfort, gradually increasing pain, radiating to the tonsils. Diagnosis is carried out by a doctor, the main research method is a biopsy (tissue samples are taken from the patient and checked for the presence of cancer cells). The effectiveness of treatment depends on the time of detection of the disease.
Other reasons
Diagnosis of the disease
If foreign formations appear in the mouth, it is necessary to consult a dentist. He examines the oral mucosa and will refer the patient to a doctor who can identify and cure the disease. Some types of growths are treated by a dermatologist or an otolaryngologist.
Diagnosis, in addition to visual examination, includes radiography, computed or magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy with sending tissues for histological examination. Perhaps the appointment of ultrasound, angiography.
Cheek bump treatment
Any neoplasm on the cheek from the inside interferes with chewing and is constantly injured. The patient is shown surgical treatment to get rid of discomfort and prevent cancer. Removal is done in several ways:
- cryodestruction - the destruction of neoplasms using low temperatures (liquid nitrogen);
- sclerotherapy - the introduction into the vessel of a drug that causes the walls to stick together, and then resorption;
- laser - layer-by-layer removal of a cyst and its contents with a laser scalpel;
- radio wave method - removal by a beam of high-frequency radio waves;
- surgical excision with a scalpel.
If the cause of the neoplasm was a viral infection, surgical methods are supplemented with antiviral drug therapy. Sometimes folk remedies help, but they cannot cope with the cause of the disease.
Medicines
The development of a tumor on the mucosa, which is of a viral nature, is treated with drugs based on interferon. They help the body cope with the disease, have a general strengthening effect.
- These drugs include: Viferon, Intron, Altevir, Roferon.
- The intake of vitamins is shown, antiviral treatment with Lavomax, Cycloferon and others is carried out.
- Cytostatic drugs may be prescribed to stop tumor growth.
Compresses
Hot and cold compresses should not be used to treat growths: they can worsen the situation, exacerbate the disease. From home remedies, you can try applications with castor oil, they are advised to repeat them twice a day. It is also suggested to wipe the growth with a cut clove of garlic, but in the case of an ulcer or erosion, such treatment is more likely to harm.
rinses
Rinses are useful only at the initial stage, after biting or the appearance of a small dense area.
- To cope with inflammation, defeat the infection will help decoction of oak bark, which should rinse your mouth at least 7 times a day for a week.
- Pine needles will help too. They must be crushed, steamed in a thermos and used after brushing your teeth.
Preventive measures
Prevention of the formation of ulcers, growths, inflammation in the mouth consists in quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and proper nutrition. You should not stay in the sun for a long time in the summer.
An important role is played by oral hygiene and timely visits to the dentist. The appearance of wounds or erosions requires immediate measures to prevent infection.
Formed from the cells of the mucosa, cancer of the oral cavity affects the surrounding tissues, manifesting itself as ulcers and sprouting. I must say that cancer of the oral cavity includes a number of cancers, including cancer of the lips, soft and hard palate, tongue, throat, buccal mucosa. In all cases, early diagnosis of the disease gives a chance for a positive outcome of treatment.
The five-year survival rate for patients with oral cancer is 41%, the three-year survival rate is 56%, and the average annual survival rate, regardless of the type of oral cancer, is 81%. In general, this type of cancer occupies a small percentage of all human cancers, accounting for 1.5% of all malignant tumors. The most susceptible to this disease are men aged 40 to 60 years, while women get sick 4 times less often. Interestingly, this type of cancer among male cancers takes 6th place.
As it develops, oral cancer is divided into three periods, these are the initial, developed and neglected.
Early signs of oral cancer
Cancer at the initial stage of development manifests itself as a feeling of slight discomfort in the area of \u200b\u200bits formation. During the examination, you can see white spots, seals in the mucosa, papillary neoplasms, tissue seals.
Often, patients come for an initial examination due to the onset of pain, which, it must be said, begins to disturb the patient at the very beginning of cancer development only in a quarter of cases. Such pain is often mistaken for a symptom of other diseases, such as tonsillitis.
Cancer of the oral cavity is usually divided into three main forms, these are ulcerative, nodular and papillary. Each form of cancer also has its own symptoms.
The most common form of oral cancer is the ulcerative form, which is manifested by characteristic ulcerative formations on the mucous tissues.
With a nodular form, specific seals occur inside the mucosa. This type of cancer develops more rapidly than the previous one and may be accompanied by the appearance of white spots around the seal.
The presence of dense outgrowths above the mucosa indicates a papillary form of cancer. Such a tumor also tends to progress very quickly.
It is worth noting that oral cancer at the initial stage of its development is always formed first in the outer layer of the mucosa, and later grows either further outward or into the tissues.
Oral cancer during development
Along with the development of a cancerous tumor in the oral cavity, new, more striking symptoms appear. First of all, it is the growing neoplasm itself, which begins to cause considerable discomfort to the patient. Interestingly, even with an advanced stage, pain may not occur. However, in most cases, pain is still present and becomes quite painful. In addition, they can radiate to other areas of the head, such as the ear.
In addition, a characteristic symptom of an advanced stage of oral cancer is bad breath, which indicates the decay of the neoplasm and its infection.
In addition, in medicine, such cancer is divided into two of its anatomical forms, each of which is also divided into several types.
The exophytic form is divided into papillary, in which the neoplasm takes on a mushroom-like or plaque-like form, and ulcerative, when the resulting ulcer develops into a kind of crater over time.
The endophytic form is also divided into two groups, these are ulcerative-infiltrative tumors and infiltrative ones. The former include ulcers localized on a massive infiltrate that grows into the tissue. In this case, the ulcers may look like rather deep cracks. The second group includes tumors that are not related to ulcers, while there is a diffuse lesion of the mucous membrane.
Symptoms of advanced oral cancer
First of all, it is worth saying that oral cancer is considered one of the most aggressive and malignant types of cancer among other oncological diseases. It grows quite quickly, rapidly destroying the tissues located near it.
The most aggressive behavior is cancer of the root of the tongue, in which the tumor quickly affects the palatine arches and pharynx. However, cancerous lesions of the posterior region of the mouth are much more aggressive and difficult to treat than those of the anterior region.
Like many other types of cancer, malignant neoplasms in the oral cavity at more advanced stages of development are characterized by the process of metastasis.
Metastases in this type of cancer for the most part spread to the lymph nodes of the neck. However, the location of metastases directly depends on the location of the primary malignant tumor. So, for example, cancer of the tongue, located in its front part, most often spreads not only to the lymph nodes of the neck, but also to the submandibular lymph nodes.
I must say that metastases of oral cancer very rarely reach distant areas of the body.
Most often, patients seek help from a doctor already at quite advanced stages of the development of the disease, when some kind of infection joins the most malignant neoplasm. At the same time, in a third of patients at the time of the initial examination, the tumor had already metastasized.
With cancer of the mucous tissues of the cheek at an advanced stage of the disease, the tumor infiltrates from the skin, tonsils and lips. When the mucous membrane of the palate is affected, quite strong pain and significant discomfort are noted.
In the event of a tumor of the minor salivary glands, patients seek help for pain in the oral cavity, which is usually caused by the addition of an infection and the formation of an ulcerated area.
The number of patients with malignant lesions of the oral cavity is increasing every year. Doctors associate this phenomenon with bad habits, unfavorable environmental conditions, as well as malnutrition. According to statistics, in the male part of the population, this type of cancer occurs 4 times more often than in the female.
The danger of this pathology lies in its rapid metastasis. Such a development of events is associated with an excellent blood supply to the tissues of the oral cavity, as well as with a large number of lymph nodes in this area. In addition, in the immediate vicinity is the brain, organs of the respiratory system, nerve trunks.
Forms and types of cancer in the oral cavity - stages of development of oncology
Carcinoma of the oral cavity in its formation goes through three periods:
1. Initial
At this phase of development, small neoplasms appear, which can be represented as:
- sores. They increase in size quite quickly and rapidly. Conservative measures are ineffective. In this case, we speak of an ulcerative form of oral cancer.
- papillary growths. Dense growths appear on the mucous membranes of the mouth, which are characterized by rapid growth. With such neoplasms, a papillary form of cancer is diagnosed.
- Dense nodules that are dotted around with white spots. Nodular cancer progresses faster than ulcerative cancer.
Such neoplasms are practically the only manifestation of the oncological disease in question. Most patients do not complain of pain.
2. Developed (Active)
The most common reasons for visiting a doctor are:
- Bad breath. Indicates the process of tumor decay and infection.
- Weight loss.
- Pain that can spread to the temples, ears, head.
- Drowsiness and fatigue.
- Increased salivation. They are the result of irritation of the oral mucosa by the components of the decay of a malignant neoplasm.
3. Launched
Pathological formation grows into nearby healthy tissues. If the focus of the disease is located in the region of the root of the tongue, the pharynx is involved in the pathological process, on the mucous membrane of the cheeks - the skin, at the bottom of the oral cavity - the jaw and muscle tissue in the sublingual zone.
In addition, doctors classify the indicated oncopathology according to the stages of development:
- 1 stage. The tumor is limited to the mucous and submucosal layers, and its diameter is no more than 10 mm. Degenerative transformations in the lymph nodes are not observed.
- 2A stage. Cancer cells grow into nearby tissues by a maximum of 10 mm, and its diameter increases to 20 mm.
- 2B stage. The characteristics of the tumor are the same as in stage 2A. One regional lymph node undergoes a destructive phenomenon.
- 3A stage. The lymph nodes are not involved in the cancer process, and the parameters of the tumor reach 30 mm in diameter.
- 3B stage. Diagnostic measures confirm active metastasis in regional lymph nodes.
- 4A stage. Cancer cells spread to the soft and bony structures of the face. There are no regional metastases.
- 4B stage. The parameters of a malignant neoplasm are arbitrary. Studies reveal distant metastasis.
Video: Oral cancer
Causes of mouth cancer - who is at risk?
Often the ailment in question is diagnosed in men over the age of 50. This is due to the fact that the male part of the population is more prone to bad habits than the female. It is extremely rare, but still sometimes this oncopathology occurs in children.
The exact causes of oral cancer have not yet been established.
However, in the course of observations, a number of factors provoking the appearance of this disease were established:
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, as well as the use of tobacco for other purposes (chewing). The risk group also includes passive smokers. The main culprit in this situation is carcinogenic components, which, due to regular contact with the oral mucosa, cause inflammatory processes in it, which eventually become chronic.
- The use of alcoholic beverages, as well as the use of oral hygiene products that contain alcohol.
- hereditary factor.
- Excessive consumption of hot and spicy foods. Such food injures and irritates the oral mucosa.
- Vitamin A deficiency in the body. This condition negatively affects the condition and functions of the epithelium.
- Regular injury to the oral cavity by poor-quality dental structures, fragments of teeth and / or sharp fillings.
- Poor hygiene (or its complete absence) of teeth. Unfilled teeth, plaque and tartar, periodontitis - all this can provoke the development of cancer in the mouth.
- Work in dusty areas, with paintwork or asbestos, as well as in high / low temperature conditions.
- Human papilloma virus. It does not always lead to cancerous processes, but increases the risk of their occurrence.
Video: 3 warning signs in the mouth. Reasons to see a doctor
The first signs and symptoms of oral cancer - how to notice a dangerous pathology in time?
This oncopathology, regardless of its location, at the initial stages of development is characterized by the following manifestations:
- The presence of swelling and compaction in the affected area, which at first do not hurt. Periodic or constant pain makes itself felt later.
- Complete / partial loss of sensation, as well as numbness of the components of the oral cavity - with damage to the nerve fibers.
- Bleeding of unknown etiology.
- Difficulty eating, talking.
- Poor mobility of the tongue, jaws.
- Change in the consistency of saliva.
When cancer cells spread, they make themselves known pain in the temples, head, ears, parotid and submandibular lymph nodes increase.
The ailment in question can be called collective.
The symptomatic picture will be determined by the exact location of the tumor formation:
1. Cancer of the buccal mucosa
It often has an ulcerative nature and is localized in the place where the teeth meet.
The symptomatic picture is limited to pain when talking, eating, swallowing. With the growth of the neoplasm, it is problematic for the patient to open his mouth.
2. Cancer of the sky
The hard palate may be affected by adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (extremely rare).
In the first case, the disease practically does not manifest itself for a long time. The growth of the tumor is fraught with infection. Nearby tissues are involved in the degenerative process, incl. and bone. The squamous form of hard palate cancer makes itself felt in the early stages of the disease, which makes therapeutic measures more effective.
The presence of a tumor in the soft palate negatively affects speech and swallowing. Patients complain of pain and constant discomfort in the mouth.
3. Gum cancer
Among oncological diseases of the oral cavity, it is the most common. The gum swells, changes its color to whitish, sores appear on it.
Initially, patients are worried about toothache, which makes them seek help from a dentist. Removing a tooth in such a case is not the best idea: it leads to an increase in the parameters of the tumor and a deterioration in the general condition.
4. Tongue cancer
It makes up 40% of the total number of patients with oral cavity cancer. Most often, cancer cells affect the lateral part - or the root of the tongue. Much less often, malignant neoplasms are diagnosed on the tip and back of the tongue.
The disease manifests itself as redness, swelling, numbness of the tongue, the appearance of plaque. A similar phenomenon affects the quality of speech, the process of chewing and swallowing.
There may also be pain in the area of the trigeminal nerve. With oncological diseases of the root of the tongue, patients experience difficulty with breathing.
5. Cancer of the floor of the mouth
Has the worst prognosis. A large number of blood vessels, muscles, as well as salivary glands, which are located in this area, are involved in the pathological process.
At the initial stage of the development of the disease, the patient feels the presence of a foreign neoplasm. In the future, the overall picture is complemented by pain sensations, which are aggravated by movements of the tongue, strong salivation, and difficulty in swallowing.
Modern diagnostic methods for suspected oncology of the oral cavity - which doctor should I contact, and what studies can be prescribed?
If there are problems with the oral cavity or teeth, patients, first of all, go to the dentist. After the examination, this specialist can refer you for a consultation with an oncologist.
Diagnostic measures prescribed by the oncologist include:
- visual method. The doctor listens to the patient's complaints, clarifies his lifestyle, the presence of concomitant diseases. When examining the oral cavity, the parameters of the neoplasm, the condition of the mucous membrane and lymph nodes, and the structure of the tongue are evaluated.
- Laboratory research. In particular, the patient is sent for a general blood test, as well as a blood test for tumor markers.
03.03.2017
Among cancerous diseases, cancer of the oral mucosa was recorded infrequently (3% of cases), but the number of cases is growing.
The success of treatment is increased by early diagnosis. At an early stage, the disease is curable, especially if the tumor has not had time to hit neighboring organs.
Men are more susceptible to this disease than women. Previously, the disease was recorded in patients older than 50 years, now in young people, and in some cases even in children. The danger of problems with the oral mucosa is associated with bad habits and lifestyle, personal hygiene, food, harmful working conditions and an unfavorable external environment.
Often the signs of the disease are detected by the dentist during examination or treatment of teeth and gums. Deviations in the state of the oral mucosa can be noticed independently. Feeling the first symptoms of the disease, you should consult a doctor for help.
Forms of cancer of the oral mucosa
Cancer of the oral mucosa has the following forms:
- Knotty - the appearance of a seal on a healthy mucosa, which begins to grow rapidly. Whitish spots may appear next to the focus, which has dense edges.
- Ulcerative - an ulcer appears on the mucous membrane, which worries the patient, does not heal for a long time, but begins to progress. Occurs in 50% of cases.
- Papillary - a seal hanging from the mucosa in the oral cavity, growths on the mucosa can grow rapidly. With this form of cancer, the tumor does not grow into neighboring tissues, so the treatment is successful.
Depending on the location of the tumor, the following types are distinguished:
- Cheek cancer.
The buccal mucosa is most often subject to injury for various reasons. Neoplasms (seals, sores) appear on the inner surface of the cheeks, on the line or in the corners of the mouth. For large ulcers. There are inconveniences and pains when talking and chewing, opening the mouth. When diagnosed, histological cancer is most often detected. It is observed in 7.2% of cases.
- Cancer of the floor of the mouth.
This area of the mouth consists of many muscles, blood and lymphatic vessels, and salivary glands. The neoplasm captures these tissues and quickly metastasizes. The patient feels a seal, like a foreign body. There is salivation, pain, decreased mobility of the tongue, difficulty in swallowing. (24.6%) cases.
- Tumor of the tongue.
The tumor often appears on the lateral surfaces of the tongue, this pathology is more common. Less often - on the upper or lower part of the tongue, its tip or root. The mobility of the tongue decreases, there is pain when swallowing, difficulty in speaking. (43.5% of cases).
- Tumor in the alveolar processes.
The alveolar processes are the part of the jaw on which the teeth are located. The tumor appears on the upper or lower jaw, affects the teeth. May cause bleeding and pain in the area. (sixteen%).
- Cancer in the palate.
The hard palate contains many small salivary glands. It is they who are affected by adenocarcioma or cylindroma - a tumor of the glands.
With the growth of the tumor, an infection and an inflammatory process can join. There is pain and discomfort when eating and swallowing. The tumor can grow into the tissues and bones of the palate.
In the tissues of the soft palate, squamous cell carcinoma occurs more often, which affects the soft tissues. Usually diagnosed early, less aggressive and easier to treat. (8.7%).
- gum cancer. It is found on the gums of the lower jaw, is rare, associated with the neglected condition of the teeth. The gums are characterized by squamous cell carcinoma - its histological type.
- Metastases.
A malignant formation sprouts into nearby areas, tissues and lymph nodes in the form of metastases.
Regardless of the location of the tumor, the first signs of its formation are the appearance of an ulcer, induration and swelling without pain. Then pain at the site of neoplasia, with nerve damage - decreased sensitivity, numbness. Then pain in the temples, ear, head.
Causes of mucosal cancer
Factors that increase the risk of oral diseases that provoke cancer:
- Smoking, drug and alcohol consumption.
- Use of alcohol-based rinses and mouth fresheners.
- Poor condition of the teeth (sharp edges of the tooth or fillings, uncomfortable prosthesis).
- Prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Malnutrition (lack of vegetables, fruits, vitamins A. C, E), eating foods that irritate the mucous membrane (too hot, spicy food).
- Weakening of the immune system, long-term use of drugs.
- Contact with harmful chemicals (especially asbestos), paintwork, dust, prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- Ingestion of papilloma virus (HPV).
Currently, 600 strains (types) of papillomaviruses have been systematized. Some of them are harmless, some cause changes in tissues, the growth of warts, benign tumors and provoke cancer. In the human body, the virus can mutate from one species to another.
Oral Cancer: Symptoms
At first, the disease is similar to other, not so dangerous diseases. Spots appear on the mucosa, red (erythroplakia) or white (leukoplakia), soon turning into an ulcer, induration or growth. Nodules may form in the mouth. Cracks that do not heal for a long time, but at first do not really bother the patient. These are not yet signs of cancer. But, if left untreated, they can degenerate into cancerous growths.
With the further uncontrolled course of the disease, the symptoms become obvious and palpable:
- Long-term non-healing sores on the soft and hard areas of the palate.
- Bleeding and soreness of the oral mucosa.
- The pain begins to give in the jaw, ear, temple.
- Enlargement and numbness of the tongue.
- Bad gums.
- Mobility, loss of teeth.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Pain and swelling of the jaw.
- Weight loss.
Distant metastasis in cancer of the oral mucosa is extremely rare; in some advanced cases, even the lungs, liver, and bones can be affected.
Stages of mucosal cancer
Precancerous conditions of the mucosa:
Leukoplakia is a precancerous condition that may appear due to constant irritation and inflammation of the mucosa. It is manifested by keratinization of the mucous membrane and a red border on the lips.
Doctors consider external irritating factors to be the causes: hot tobacco smoke, cauterization of the lips when smoking a cigarette to the end, pathology of the gastrointestinal tract, lack of vitamin A, heredity, constant trauma due to poor dental health, the presence of prostheses made of dissimilar metals in the mouth.
First, there is keratinization of a previously inflamed small area of the mucosa. A sign of malignancy is considered to be a partial, irregularly shaped seal in the area of keratinization, a rapid increase in the size of erosion, and bleeding. Papillary growths.
Symptoms are similar to lichen planus, lupus erythematosus, syphilis. A biopsy is needed for diagnosis. Prevention: cleaning up the oral cavity (treatment of teeth and gums), treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, smoking cessation.
erythroplakia
Small red foci with a large number of vessels appear on the mucosa. Half of them may be malignant. Without delay, it is necessary to conduct examinations and begin treatment.
Dysplasia (violation) - the appearance of violations in the process of cell maturation: their irregular shape, change in size. With further development, dysplasia develops into cancer.
On the stratified epithelium of the oral mucosa, squamous cell carcinoma occurs, on the salivary glands - adenocarcioma (cancer of the glands).
Regardless of the location of the tumor and its shape, the development of cancer goes through three periods:
- Elementary.
- Developed.
- Launched.
Initial period. The patient complains of discomfort, sensation of a foreign body in the mouth, burning, pain when eating. On examination, the doctor may detect small sores, erosions, outgrowths or whitish spots on the mucosa, seals on the upper layer or in the submucosa.
developed period. The reason for going to the doctor is pain of varying intensity, which can radiate to the ear, temple. During this period, it is important to determine the form of cancer:
papillary form. Seals rising above the epithelium in the form of a hemisphere or on a wide stalk. In the thickness of the tissue, an infiltrate is probed that does not have clear boundaries. The tumor can be tuberous, fine-grained, bleeding during trauma, with keratinized areas of the epithelium. With the spread of the infiltrate (compaction, accumulation of unusual cells with blood and lymph), patients complain of increased pain, bleeding, difficulty in talking and chewing.
Ulcerative infiltrative. Occurs in 65% of cases. The tumor has the appearance of an ulcer with ridge-like edges raised above the mucosa. The crater-like bottom of the ulcer is covered with fine-grained tissue, it bleeds when injured. Under the ulcer, a seal is palpated, larger in size and tending to spread to neighboring tissues.
Launch period. Depending on the location of the initial focus, the tumor can spread to the cheeks, the floor of the mouth, the palate, the lateral parts of the pharynx, and bone tissue.
Diagnosis of mucosal cancer
If you suspect oral mucosal cancer, you should contact an otolaryngologist. A preliminary examination by a specialist can detect suspicious places in the oral cavity: spots, ulcers, seals; check for swollen lymph nodes.
The doctor examines using a special mirror and lamp, and uses an endoscope to carefully examine the areas under the tongue, the floor of the mouth and the pharynx.
For a correct diagnosis, only examination and piling is not enough. To check, the lymph nodes are enlarged, they are affected by a tumor - radiation diagnostics is carried out: ultrasound examination, computed tomography. To detect the penetration of metastases into the lymph nodes and neighboring organs, a cytological examination is performed. They take a puncture, a smear-imprint or scraping of the affected tissue. Under a microscope, the type, shape and number of cells are examined.
Malignant cells have a distorted size, shape, an incorrect ratio between the nucleus and the cell. Scintigraphy makes it possible to assess the condition of the jaws. A contrast solution is injected intravenously, x-rays are taken.
The histological appearance of the tumor is determined by biopsy. When making a diagnosis - cancer, do not take it as a sentence, do not panic. The psychological attitude and desire to heal increases the chances of a full recovery.
Treatment of mucosal cancer
Surgical removal of the tumor remains the main method of treatment today. If the disease is not yet in the stage of neglect, resection of the tumor and healthy tissue surrounding it is performed. If lymph nodes are already involved in the process, then they are also removed.
Bone tissues also have to be excised if metastases have affected the jaws. After extensive operations, it becomes necessary to reconstruct remote areas. Plastic and maxillofacial surgeons will help to reconstruct the affected parts of the face, parts of the bone can be replaced with an implant.
Using the data of computed tomography, the focusing of radiation is selected for conducting radiation therapy sessions. Special fixing devices and masks are used so as not to damage healthy tissues during tumor irradiation. For several hours and even days, thin radioactive rods and needles are injected into the tumor for brachytherapy. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
Radiation therapy can cause side effects: the skin may turn red and even hurt at the sites of radiation, the voice is hoarse, swallowing is difficult due to a lack of saliva, and the sensation of taste decreases. The doctor will prescribe the necessary drugs to get rid of it. And after the cessation of therapy, these phenomena gradually disappear.
They use medications to make radiotherapy more effective (for example, arbitox). This drug selectively kills cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used to destroy foci with metastases and remnants of cancer cells, as well as for relapses of the disease.
In the treatment of cancer, in addition to surgeons and oncologists, a variety of specialists are involved. For rehabilitation, the help of psychologists, dentists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and other specialists may be required.
In medicine of our time there are many means of treating cancer. For greater effectiveness of treatment, traditional medicine can also help.
For the prevention of diseases of the oral mucosa, it is necessary:
- Monitor oral hygiene;
- Visit the dentist regularly to maintain healthy teeth and gums;
- Correct, balanced diet (do not eat too hot, spicy food);
- In the presence of chronic diseases, be observed by a doctor;
At the first alarming symptoms in the oral cavity, contact your doctor. Get tested if necessary.