Abnormal growth of cells inside the mouth can be termed as mouth cancer. Mouth cancer occurs inside any part of the mouth including lips, jaws, cheek, gums, tongue, salivary glands and tonsils. All these tissues inside the mouth are covered by a layer of soft cells known as squamous cells. It is these cells that become malignant in case of mouth cancer. Hence, mouth cancer is also referred to as squamous cell carcinoma.
There are a wide variety of causes due to which mouth cancer occurs. These include smoking, alcohol consumption, tobacco chewing and exposure to harmful UV radiation. Apart from these, other causes include Candida infection in the mouth, Kaposi's sarcoma that occurs with AIDS and nutritional deficiency that involves diet lacking vitamins A, C and E, iron, selenium and zinc.
There are a variety of symptoms by which a doctor can diagnose mouth cancer. However, one needs to do a biopsy of the tissue in order to confirm the occurrence of mouth cancer. Other diagnostic tests that are required to establish the cancer stage include endoscopy, X-ray, MRI scan and CT scan.
Treatment of mouth cancer is dependant on the cancer stage. There are three prominent treatment methods including radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves treatment with intravenous injections of anticancer drugs. However, patient experiences multiple side effects during chemotherapy including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores and weight loss. Radiation therapy involves usage of beta rays for killing cancer cells. Surgery is employed when the tumor is benign. Physicians also employ a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation for treating mouth cancer.
One can reduce the risk of oral cancer by avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol, staying away from smoking and tobacco chewing, and consuming a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Pauline Go
Pauline Go is a professional writer for many website like newbiemommy.com. She also writes other great articles like Spot Fake Doctors Sick Note, Know about Massive Heart Attacks , Male Breast Enlargement Caused By Medication
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