Cancers involving the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, inner cheek and palate are called oral cancers.
Early diagnosis is important to prevent the spread of cancer throughout the body, to prevent facial deformities and speech difficulties. It is more common in people over the age of 40.
Swelling, stains, cracks and ulcers that have been in the mouth for more than three weeks and do not show signs of passing should definitely be examined by a dentist.
Tongue cancer is often painful and causes the tongue to become abnormally stiff and inflexible. There may also be a feeling of numbness in the tongue, along with difficulty in speaking and swallowing.
White and red spots that constantly appear in the mouth can turn into cancer in the future. So it should not be neglected.
Oral cancer is usually caused by the use of tobacco, cigarettes, pipes and cigars. Apart from this, the use of alcoholic beverages, the use of alcohol and cigarettes together, the constant irritation of the tongue and surrounding tissues from dentures or any sharp edges on natural teeth can also cause cancer.
Treatment; It consists of surgical removal of all cancerous tissues, radiotherapy (using radiation to destroy cancer cells), chemotherapy (treatment with medication), or using all of these methods together.
When diagnosed and treated early, the probability of recovery is high. Lost tissue and functions are tried to be regained with various prostheses in people whose speech and appearance have changed after surgery. Some people may need psychological support.
