6 Common Oral Cancer Symptoms
About Oral Cancer Symptoms:
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Oral cancer symptoms can often be the signs of other less serious illnesses, so it is important to consult your doctor or dentist if you are experiencing any of these changes in your oral health.
During your annual dental check-up, your dentist will also screen for oral cancer. Those who use tobacco products may receive a more in-depth screening based on their risk.
1. White and Red Patches in the Mouth or Lips:
A white or red patch (or combination of the two) inside the mouth or the lips are the most commonly experienced symptom of oral cancer. In the early stages, these white and red patches are warnings of abnormal cells, a pre-malignant condition. If left untreated, they can become cancerous.
2. A Sore or Blister in Your Mouth :
A sore or blister in the mouth or on the lip that won't heal is a symptom of oral cancer. Sores that last longer than 2 weeks warrant a trip to the doctor.
3. Difficulty Swallowing:
This symptom can include difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking, or moving the tongue. This is a non-specific symptom of oral cancer and can be caused by many other conditions.
4. Earaches:
Frequent or persistent earaches need to be evaluated by a physician. An earache is usually indicative of an infection. However, in some cases, it can be related to oral cancer.
5. Change in the Way Teeth Fit Together:
This can include dentures not fitting correctly. Oral cancer can also cause loose teeth.
6. Bleeding from the Mouth:
Report any oral bleeding to your dentist and doctor. Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by many things, but it is still a symptom of oral cancer and needs to be checked out.
Sources:
"What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer". Cancer Topics. National Cancer Society: What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer. 09 Sptember 2004. Accessed 14 July 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page9
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Early Detection of Oral Cancer With VELscope
Early Detection of Oral Cancer With VELscope
Detecting Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone. This cancer, found in the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, in its early stages, oral cancer can go unnoticed.
Those at high risk for oral cancer include tobacco users, African-American men and heavy drinkers, but anyone can develop oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Consortium, 25 percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors. Studies have also determined there may be a link between HPV (human papilloma virus) and oral cancer.
Your dentist and hygienist usually screen you for any signs of oral cancer at your regular checkups, but some symptoms of oral cancer can be invisible to the naked eye.
The FDA has recently approved a device to detect oral cancer called a VELscope. The VELscope is non-invasive and uses a bright blue light to emphasize any changes in the mouth that a dentist or hygienist could not normally see.
Dr. Kenneth Magid, a professor at New York University College of Dentistry, states on the Oral Cancer Foundation website, "The problem, for the most part, is that early oral cancer looks like everything else. It looks like a million other injuries and changes in the tissue in the mouth. It's a red spot or a white spot. We see them all the time." But using the VELscope to detect oral cancer can make abnormalities stand out like sore thumbs, according to Dr. Magid.
The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone, with only 50 percent still being alive in 5 years. The problem is much larger worldwide. Even with these statistics, the experts agree that early diagnosis pushes the five-year survival rate to an astonishing 80 percent.
Since oral cancer can affect anyone, without regard to age or gender, it is very important to have regular screenings for this deadly disease. Talk with your dentist about the latest developments and technologies for diagnosing oral cancer.
Sources:
The Oral Cancer Foundation Early detection is the key to beating oral cancer 18 July 2007.
Detecting Oral Cancer
According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, someone dies from oral cancer every hour of every day in the United States alone. This cancer, found in the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated early. Unfortunately, in its early stages, oral cancer can go unnoticed.
Those at high risk for oral cancer include tobacco users, African-American men and heavy drinkers, but anyone can develop oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Consortium, 25 percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer have no risk factors. Studies have also determined there may be a link between HPV (human papilloma virus) and oral cancer.
Your dentist and hygienist usually screen you for any signs of oral cancer at your regular checkups, but some symptoms of oral cancer can be invisible to the naked eye.
The FDA has recently approved a device to detect oral cancer called a VELscope. The VELscope is non-invasive and uses a bright blue light to emphasize any changes in the mouth that a dentist or hygienist could not normally see.
Dr. Kenneth Magid, a professor at New York University College of Dentistry, states on the Oral Cancer Foundation website, "The problem, for the most part, is that early oral cancer looks like everything else. It looks like a million other injuries and changes in the tissue in the mouth. It's a red spot or a white spot. We see them all the time." But using the VELscope to detect oral cancer can make abnormalities stand out like sore thumbs, according to Dr. Magid.
The Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year alone, with only 50 percent still being alive in 5 years. The problem is much larger worldwide. Even with these statistics, the experts agree that early diagnosis pushes the five-year survival rate to an astonishing 80 percent.
Since oral cancer can affect anyone, without regard to age or gender, it is very important to have regular screenings for this deadly disease. Talk with your dentist about the latest developments and technologies for diagnosing oral cancer.
Sources:
The Oral Cancer Foundation Early detection is the key to beating oral cancer 18 July 2007.
Hairloss and Chemotherapy
Hairloss and Chemotherapy
Why Hair Loss Occurs, Can It Be Prevented, and What To Do About It?
Hair loss is one of the most emotionally devastating side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can affect the hair or your head, facial hair, pubic hair and body hair. This includes eyelashes and eyebrows, also.
Why do so many people suffer from hair loss?
Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy can sometimes damage healthy cells. It is so common because hair follicle cells multiply very quickly like cancer cells and chemotherapy drugs have difficulty in discerning the difference.
Will I lose all of my hair?
There is no way to tell if someone will lose their hair during chemotherapy. Some people do not lose any at all. Some only suffer from thinning of the hair. However, there are many people who do lose all of their hair.
Hair loss all depends on the medications you are taking, how frequent dosages and how aggressive your treatment is.
Can I do anything to prevent it?
Unfortunately, there is no prevention or medication to combat hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.
Many people try to use use over-the-counter hair growth shampoos, like Rogaine. They do not have any effect whatsoever.
The good news is that your hair will grow back. It may grow back during treatment, but usually regrowth begins in about 6 to 8 weeks after treatment ends.
Coping With Hair Loss
Hair loss can be devastating. Many patients feel like they can't go out in public, or that they will embarrass their family members. It's completely normal to feel this way. But, you can do many things to make your hair loss more acceptable and easier to cope with.
• Purchase a wig prior to treatment that matches your hair color. This way, you will have one ready in case you do experience hair loss. Hair usually falls out in clumps during chemo, not evenly.
If you have ever wanted to experiment with different hair colors, now is the time to do so. Have fun with the different looks you can create with a hairpiece.
• Cut your hair short. Short hair is easier to maintain and allows wigs to fit more comfortably. Plus, it appears fuller. Some people choose to shave their heads right when hair loss begins. Many feel it is less devastating to lose it all at once, than a little bit at a time.
• Scarves, hats and turbans are becoming more fashionable, even for people without cancer. Many chemo patients use scarves or hats to cover their heads. They come in a variety of styles and can be tied many ways for different looks.
Hair may be different when it begins to grow back
Some people find their hair to dye a different color, texture, or curl. I have known people who had blonde, straight hair prior to chemo, and after, it grew back black and very curly.
Hair Care Tips During Chemotherapy
Tips for maintaining hair during chemotherapy, whether you have very thin hair, or haven't lost any at all.
• Do not color or get a perm during chemotherapy. If you haven't experienced hair loss, remember that chemo can still affect follicles and the outcome might not be what you were looking for.With perms, not all strands may curl, and with hair color, not all strands may color.
• Use a gentle shampoo, like baby shampoo and mild conditioner, every 3 to 5 days to keep hair healthy looking.
• Rinse hair thoroughly and pat dry. Do not use blow dryers, as they are very damaging to the hair.
• Wear a scarf or hat when outdoors to prevent sunburn and heat loss.
Coping With Hair Loss
Coping with hair loss can be difficult. We often associate our hair with physical beauty. Without it, its hard to feel attractive.
Wigs and hairpieces can make a big difference. Many look so natural, no one will recognize you are wearing a wig. Have fun exploring different looks with wigs.
Have comfort in knowing that your hair will grow back. Many times, it will grow back in better condition than what it was prior to treatment. I like to call this "Chemotherapy's Compensation Policy."
Why Hair Loss Occurs, Can It Be Prevented, and What To Do About It?
Hair loss is one of the most emotionally devastating side effects of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can affect the hair or your head, facial hair, pubic hair and body hair. This includes eyelashes and eyebrows, also.
Why do so many people suffer from hair loss?
Hair loss occurs because chemotherapy can sometimes damage healthy cells. It is so common because hair follicle cells multiply very quickly like cancer cells and chemotherapy drugs have difficulty in discerning the difference.
Will I lose all of my hair?
There is no way to tell if someone will lose their hair during chemotherapy. Some people do not lose any at all. Some only suffer from thinning of the hair. However, there are many people who do lose all of their hair.
Hair loss all depends on the medications you are taking, how frequent dosages and how aggressive your treatment is.
Can I do anything to prevent it?
Unfortunately, there is no prevention or medication to combat hair loss during chemotherapy treatment.
Many people try to use use over-the-counter hair growth shampoos, like Rogaine. They do not have any effect whatsoever.
The good news is that your hair will grow back. It may grow back during treatment, but usually regrowth begins in about 6 to 8 weeks after treatment ends.
Coping With Hair Loss
Hair loss can be devastating. Many patients feel like they can't go out in public, or that they will embarrass their family members. It's completely normal to feel this way. But, you can do many things to make your hair loss more acceptable and easier to cope with.
• Purchase a wig prior to treatment that matches your hair color. This way, you will have one ready in case you do experience hair loss. Hair usually falls out in clumps during chemo, not evenly.
If you have ever wanted to experiment with different hair colors, now is the time to do so. Have fun with the different looks you can create with a hairpiece.
• Cut your hair short. Short hair is easier to maintain and allows wigs to fit more comfortably. Plus, it appears fuller. Some people choose to shave their heads right when hair loss begins. Many feel it is less devastating to lose it all at once, than a little bit at a time.
• Scarves, hats and turbans are becoming more fashionable, even for people without cancer. Many chemo patients use scarves or hats to cover their heads. They come in a variety of styles and can be tied many ways for different looks.
Hair may be different when it begins to grow back
Some people find their hair to dye a different color, texture, or curl. I have known people who had blonde, straight hair prior to chemo, and after, it grew back black and very curly.
Hair Care Tips During Chemotherapy
Tips for maintaining hair during chemotherapy, whether you have very thin hair, or haven't lost any at all.
• Do not color or get a perm during chemotherapy. If you haven't experienced hair loss, remember that chemo can still affect follicles and the outcome might not be what you were looking for.With perms, not all strands may curl, and with hair color, not all strands may color.
• Use a gentle shampoo, like baby shampoo and mild conditioner, every 3 to 5 days to keep hair healthy looking.
• Rinse hair thoroughly and pat dry. Do not use blow dryers, as they are very damaging to the hair.
• Wear a scarf or hat when outdoors to prevent sunburn and heat loss.
Coping With Hair Loss
Coping with hair loss can be difficult. We often associate our hair with physical beauty. Without it, its hard to feel attractive.
Wigs and hairpieces can make a big difference. Many look so natural, no one will recognize you are wearing a wig. Have fun exploring different looks with wigs.
Have comfort in knowing that your hair will grow back. Many times, it will grow back in better condition than what it was prior to treatment. I like to call this "Chemotherapy's Compensation Policy."
Chemotherapy Side Effects, How to Prevent Them?
Chemotherapy Side Effects
What Are the Side Effects and How to Prevent Them?
People with cancer are often concerned with what chemotherapy side effects are going to occur during their treatment. They often hear about how terrible chemotherapy side effects are and how sick you can feel. What many people don't realize is that these days, many people do not suffer as many side effects. Medications can prevent some of the more complications.
How your medication affects you depends on many factors, such as how aggressive treatment is, overall general health, and what chemotherapy drug is being taken.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can produce many side effects, such as:
• Anemia, low red blood cell count
• Low white blood cell count (this increases risk for infection)
• Hair loss, or thinning hair
• Bleeding or bruising (due to low platelet count)
• Dry skin, or rashes
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle and nerve problems
• Lung problems and difficulty breathing; coughing excessively
• Fertility and sexuality problems
These are a wide range of side effects from chemotherapy. Remember that not everyone will experience side effects. One person may experience many effects, while someone else may only suffer from one or two side effects.
Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
A few side effects are more common than others.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
With some of these side effects, there are medications to prevent and combat them.
Why are there so many side effects?
Chemotherapy works by killing cancerous cells. However, sometimes it is aggressive against healthy cells, too. Since chemotherapy travels everywhere in the body, damage to healthy cells can occur at various places in the body.
What Are the Side Effects and How to Prevent Them?
People with cancer are often concerned with what chemotherapy side effects are going to occur during their treatment. They often hear about how terrible chemotherapy side effects are and how sick you can feel. What many people don't realize is that these days, many people do not suffer as many side effects. Medications can prevent some of the more complications.
How your medication affects you depends on many factors, such as how aggressive treatment is, overall general health, and what chemotherapy drug is being taken.
Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can produce many side effects, such as:
• Anemia, low red blood cell count
• Low white blood cell count (this increases risk for infection)
• Hair loss, or thinning hair
• Bleeding or bruising (due to low platelet count)
• Dry skin, or rashes
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea, constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle and nerve problems
• Lung problems and difficulty breathing; coughing excessively
• Fertility and sexuality problems
These are a wide range of side effects from chemotherapy. Remember that not everyone will experience side effects. One person may experience many effects, while someone else may only suffer from one or two side effects.
Common Chemotherapy Side Effects
A few side effects are more common than others.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
With some of these side effects, there are medications to prevent and combat them.
Why are there so many side effects?
Chemotherapy works by killing cancerous cells. However, sometimes it is aggressive against healthy cells, too. Since chemotherapy travels everywhere in the body, damage to healthy cells can occur at various places in the body.
HPV Virus and Cevical Cancer. What is HPV?
HPV Virus
What is HPV?
What is HPV
Human Papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, is a viral infection spread through skin to skin sexual contact. HPV is a group of over 100 different viruses, with at least 30 strains known to cause different types of cancer. There is currently no cure for HPV.
How Can You Get HPV
HPV is transmitted by skin to skin contact through vaginal, anal and oral sex with a partner who already has HPV. If infected, signs and symptoms may take weeks, months and even years to appear. Symptoms may never appear.
Symptoms of HPV
Symptoms of HPV normally appear in the form a cauliflower like growths called genital warts. These warts may also be flat. They can be found on the inside and the outside of the vagina. These growths may take weeks or even years to show after having sex with an infected partner. Again, they may appear show at all.
How Do I Know If I Have HPV?
An HPV test can be done to determine if a person has HPV. Testing samples of cervical cells is an effective way to identify high-risk types of HPVs that may be present. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an HPV test that can identify 13 of the high-risk types of HPVs associated with the development of cervical cancer. There is currently no test to determine if a man has HPV.
Preventing HPV
Abstaining from any type of sexual realtions is ideal in preventing HPV, but not very realisitc these days for adults. Wearing a condom provides limited protection. The male condom provides limited protection. Keep in mind that since HPV may not show any visible symptoms, your partner may still be infected.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
HPV is a Risk Factor For Cervical Cancer
Having many sexual partners is a risk factor for HPV infection. Although most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any type of abnormality, infection with high-risk HPV types increases the chance that mild abnormalities will progress to more severe abnormalities to cervical cancer.
Still, of the women who do develop abnormal cell changes with high-risk types of HPVs, only a small percentage would develop cervical cancer if the abnormal cells were not removed. Studies suggest that whether a woman develops cervical cancer depends on a variety of factors acting together with high-risk HPVs. The factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection include smoking and having many children.
What are the high risk strains of HPV?Many of the strains that are dangerous to cervical health can be identified with a test. The strains most associated with cervical cancer are 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 69, and possibly a few others. Keep in mind that the risk is still relatively low that cancer will develop.
What is HPV?
What is HPV
Human Papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, is a viral infection spread through skin to skin sexual contact. HPV is a group of over 100 different viruses, with at least 30 strains known to cause different types of cancer. There is currently no cure for HPV.
How Can You Get HPV
HPV is transmitted by skin to skin contact through vaginal, anal and oral sex with a partner who already has HPV. If infected, signs and symptoms may take weeks, months and even years to appear. Symptoms may never appear.
Symptoms of HPV
Symptoms of HPV normally appear in the form a cauliflower like growths called genital warts. These warts may also be flat. They can be found on the inside and the outside of the vagina. These growths may take weeks or even years to show after having sex with an infected partner. Again, they may appear show at all.
How Do I Know If I Have HPV?
An HPV test can be done to determine if a person has HPV. Testing samples of cervical cells is an effective way to identify high-risk types of HPVs that may be present. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an HPV test that can identify 13 of the high-risk types of HPVs associated with the development of cervical cancer. There is currently no test to determine if a man has HPV.
Preventing HPV
Abstaining from any type of sexual realtions is ideal in preventing HPV, but not very realisitc these days for adults. Wearing a condom provides limited protection. The male condom provides limited protection. Keep in mind that since HPV may not show any visible symptoms, your partner may still be infected.
HPV and Cervical Cancer
HPV is a Risk Factor For Cervical Cancer
Having many sexual partners is a risk factor for HPV infection. Although most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any type of abnormality, infection with high-risk HPV types increases the chance that mild abnormalities will progress to more severe abnormalities to cervical cancer.
Still, of the women who do develop abnormal cell changes with high-risk types of HPVs, only a small percentage would develop cervical cancer if the abnormal cells were not removed. Studies suggest that whether a woman develops cervical cancer depends on a variety of factors acting together with high-risk HPVs. The factors that may increase the risk of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection include smoking and having many children.
What are the high risk strains of HPV?Many of the strains that are dangerous to cervical health can be identified with a test. The strains most associated with cervical cancer are 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 68, 69, and possibly a few others. Keep in mind that the risk is still relatively low that cancer will develop.
Oral Cancer. Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
Oral Cancer - What is Oral Cancer?
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
The primary risk factor for developing oral cancer is tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all increase your risk of oral cancer. Smokeless tobacco, often called "dip" or "chew," also heighten the risk. Alcohol consumption is another habit that is strongly associated with the development of oral cancer.
Research strongly suggests that infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) increases your risk of oral cancer, as well. HPV is a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact, like sexual skin-to-skin contact, vaginal/anal intercourse, and oral sex.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
During a dental exam, your dentist will screen for symptoms of oral cancer. However, symptoms may arise throughout the year that many need further examination by your dentist or doctor. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
• a sore or blister in your mouth or on your lip that does not heal after two weeks
• lesion on the tongue or tonsil
• white and red patches in the mouth or lips that does not heal
• bleeding from the mouth that is unrelated to an injury
• change in the way teeth fit together, including how dentures fit or loose teeth because of jaw swelling or pain
• persistent earaches
• difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the tongue
Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
If your healthcare professional finds symptoms to be suspicious of oral cancer, then further evaluation is required to confirm the absence or presence of cancer. This can be done by doing a biopsy of the abnormal area(s) of the mouth. A biopsy removes small amounts of tissue that is sent to a pathology lab for examination under a microscope.
If cancer is found, the stage of the disease is then determined. Staging refers to how far the oral cancer has spread. Further tests like dental x-rays, endoscopy, and other imaging tests may be used to determine how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer heavily depends on the stage of the disease. More than one type of treatment may be used in treating oral cancer. Methods of treatment include:
Surgery. Surgery to remove cancerous tissue is common method of oral cancer treatment. For some people, surgery is the only type of treatment needed; for others, chemotherapy and radiation may also be needed. In some cases, lymph nodes in the neck may be also removed.
Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy uses certain types of high energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.
Two primary types of radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation, also called brachytherapy. External beam radiation is much more common than internal beam radiation in treating oral cancer.
• Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
• How to Manage Skin Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be prescribed to reduce the size of a tumor before radiation therapy or surgery or may also be given in conjunction with radiation treatments.
• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Hair Loss and Chemotherapy: Can It Be Prevented?
• Combating Fatigue During Chemotherapy
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Avoiding the known risk factors of oral cancer is the best way to prevent the disease. Most cases of of oral cancer are related to tobacco and alcohol use, so avoiding both habits are key to preventing it. Sun exposure can be related to cancer of the lips, so staying out of the sun and wearing a lip balm that contains sunscreen is also important.
Visiting your dentist regularly may aid in the early detection of oral cancer. Your dentist is trained to look and feel for signs of the disease. Oral cancer screening involves visual examination of the mouth and dental x-rays. Newer screening tools like VELscope allow doctor to thoroughly look for signs of oral cancer that may not be visible to the naked eye. These newer screening tools are highly recommended for those who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, like those who smoke or consume alcohol.
Sources:
"What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer". Cancer Topics. National Cancer Society: What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer. 09 Sptember 2004. Accessed 18 July 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page9
The Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
The primary risk factor for developing oral cancer is tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes all increase your risk of oral cancer. Smokeless tobacco, often called "dip" or "chew," also heighten the risk. Alcohol consumption is another habit that is strongly associated with the development of oral cancer.
Research strongly suggests that infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) increases your risk of oral cancer, as well. HPV is a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact, like sexual skin-to-skin contact, vaginal/anal intercourse, and oral sex.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
During a dental exam, your dentist will screen for symptoms of oral cancer. However, symptoms may arise throughout the year that many need further examination by your dentist or doctor. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
• a sore or blister in your mouth or on your lip that does not heal after two weeks
• lesion on the tongue or tonsil
• white and red patches in the mouth or lips that does not heal
• bleeding from the mouth that is unrelated to an injury
• change in the way teeth fit together, including how dentures fit or loose teeth because of jaw swelling or pain
• persistent earaches
• difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the tongue
Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
If your healthcare professional finds symptoms to be suspicious of oral cancer, then further evaluation is required to confirm the absence or presence of cancer. This can be done by doing a biopsy of the abnormal area(s) of the mouth. A biopsy removes small amounts of tissue that is sent to a pathology lab for examination under a microscope.
If cancer is found, the stage of the disease is then determined. Staging refers to how far the oral cancer has spread. Further tests like dental x-rays, endoscopy, and other imaging tests may be used to determine how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer heavily depends on the stage of the disease. More than one type of treatment may be used in treating oral cancer. Methods of treatment include:
Surgery. Surgery to remove cancerous tissue is common method of oral cancer treatment. For some people, surgery is the only type of treatment needed; for others, chemotherapy and radiation may also be needed. In some cases, lymph nodes in the neck may be also removed.
Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy uses certain types of high energy beams of radiation to shrink tumors or eliminate cancer cells. Radiation therapy works by damaging a cancer cell's DNA, making it unable to multiply. Although radiation therapy can damage nearby healthy cells, cancer cells are highly sensitive to radiation and typically die when treated. Healthy cells that are damaged during radiation are resilient and are often able to fully recover.
Two primary types of radiation therapy are external beam radiation therapy and internal beam radiation, also called brachytherapy. External beam radiation is much more common than internal beam radiation in treating oral cancer.
• Side Effects of Radiation Therapy
• How to Manage Skin Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy may be prescribed to reduce the size of a tumor before radiation therapy or surgery or may also be given in conjunction with radiation treatments.
• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• Hair Loss and Chemotherapy: Can It Be Prevented?
• Combating Fatigue During Chemotherapy
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Avoiding the known risk factors of oral cancer is the best way to prevent the disease. Most cases of of oral cancer are related to tobacco and alcohol use, so avoiding both habits are key to preventing it. Sun exposure can be related to cancer of the lips, so staying out of the sun and wearing a lip balm that contains sunscreen is also important.
Visiting your dentist regularly may aid in the early detection of oral cancer. Your dentist is trained to look and feel for signs of the disease. Oral cancer screening involves visual examination of the mouth and dental x-rays. Newer screening tools like VELscope allow doctor to thoroughly look for signs of oral cancer that may not be visible to the naked eye. These newer screening tools are highly recommended for those who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer, like those who smoke or consume alcohol.
Sources:
"What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer". Cancer Topics. National Cancer Society: What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer. 09 Sptember 2004. Accessed 18 July 2008.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page9
Kidney Cancer Symptoms. What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?
Kidney Cancer Symptoms (Renal Cell)
What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
There are many variations of kidney cancer. The most commonly diagnosed type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. It accounts for more than 85% of kidney cancer diagnosis'.
The most commonly experienced kidney cancer symptoms (renal cell carcinoma) are:
• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained, rapid weightloss
• Leg and ankle swelling
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Fever
• Presence of blood in urine (seen either by the eye, or microscopically)
• Pain in side or lower back
• Mass or lump in the abdomen
Keep in mind that these symptoms are also the signs for many other illnesses. Please see a health care professional if you are experiencing anything abnormal for further diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of kidney cancer?
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
There are many variations of kidney cancer. The most commonly diagnosed type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma. It accounts for more than 85% of kidney cancer diagnosis'.
The most commonly experienced kidney cancer symptoms (renal cell carcinoma) are:
• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained, rapid weightloss
• Leg and ankle swelling
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Fever
• Presence of blood in urine (seen either by the eye, or microscopically)
• Pain in side or lower back
• Mass or lump in the abdomen
Keep in mind that these symptoms are also the signs for many other illnesses. Please see a health care professional if you are experiencing anything abnormal for further diagnosis.
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