Oral Cancer: Initial Stage

A disease such as cancer has been known since the time of Neanderthals. This is confirmed by archaeological excavations. The name of the disease was given by Hippocrates. The percentage of cases is growing every year. At risk, primarily middle-aged and older people. Oral cancer is rare. This represents only 5% of cancer. Next, consider the initial stage of oral cancer. It is very important to recognize the disease at this stage.

What can trigger the development of the disease

If you do not treat the oral cavity diseases in a timely manner, this can lead to the development of cancer. A dentist can detect the problem. Consider diseases that pose a real threat to our health:

1. Leukoplakia. It has two forms - verrucous and erosive. In the mouth, on the mucous membrane, whitish, flat affected areas appear. An integrated approach is needed in the treatment of:

• Sanitation of the oral cavity.
• Vitamins are prescribed.
• Glucocorticosteroid ointments.

2. Bowen's disease. Spotted nodular formations appear on the mucosa. They tend to merge into hyperemic plaques with a smooth surface. They are removed surgically or using close-focus x-ray therapy.

3. Papillomatosis. This papillary overgrowth of connective tissue is whitish on the leg. It may harden over time. They are treated with a surgical method.

4. Erythroplakia. Red spots can degenerate into cancerous. Upon examination by a dentist, having found them, it is necessary to urgently begin treatment.

5. Also, the threat comes from the erosive form of lichen planus and lupus erythematosus. Erosion and non-epithelizing manifestations, as well as hardening of the stratum corneum, are characteristic. The solution to the problem should be based on the treatment of the underlying disease. In this case, appoint:

• Glucocorticosteroid drugs.
• Vitamins of group B.
• Antimalarial drugs.
• Nicotinic acid
  

All of these diseases are precancerous. Cancer of the oral mucosa is clearly shown in the photo above. As a rule, you can find it with a regular examination. Most often, the diagnosis is confirmed at a visit to the dentist.

Who is at risk

As a rule, cancer of the oral cavity makes itself felt in men after 40 years. Also at risk can include people who:

• Smoke and chew tobacco.
• Have improperly selected dentures.
• Often drink alcohol.

Also at risk are patients with these diseases:

• Leukoplakia.
• Papillomatosis
• Bowen's disease.
• Erythroplakia.
• Red lichen.
• Lupus erythematosus.

And also the human papillomavirus can trigger the development of cancer.

A few more causes of cancer

The reasons that can serve the development of oral cancer in any person should be indicated:

• Hereditary factor.
• HIV
• Failure to comply with oral hygiene.
• Frequent fungal diseases of the oral cavity.
• Lack of nutrition of vitamins and minerals.
• Adverse environmental conditions.
  
• Insufficient salivation.
• Prolonged contact with asbestos.
• Weakened immunity.

Early symptoms

At the initial stage of development, oral cancer can skillfully disguise itself as various pathological processes on the mucous membrane. It can be:

• Wounds on the mucosa.
• Impervious ulcers.
• Seals.
• Chronic fungal diseases.

The following symptoms can be distinguished in oral cancer:

• Loss and loosening of teeth.
• Poor gum condition. Bleeding.
• The tongue goes numb and becomes thicker.
• Tongue movements are difficult.
• Hoarseness of voice.
• Loss of taste.
• Pain appears in the jaw, swelling is possible.
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing.
• The appearance of bad breath.
• The nearby lymph nodes are enlarged.
  
• Unreasonable weight loss.

With these symptoms, oral cancer is not always confirmed, but they should not be ignored. It is necessary to see a specialist and, if necessary, start treatment. Wound bleeding and an increase in pathological changes are an unfavorable sign during the course of the disease. A neglected disease can develop into cancer.

At the initial stage, ill patients believed that the reason was in the throat or related to the teeth, therefore a doctor’s consultation is very important.

Cancer location

Consider where the tumor process can be located:

• On a hard and soft sky.
• On the inside of the cheeks.
• On the sides of the tongue. Very rarely, the root or tip of the tongue, as well as the upper and lower surfaces, are affected.
• On the muscles of the bottom of the oral cavity, on the salivary glands.
• On the alveolar processes of the upper and lower jaw.

Oral cancer and form are also separated at the stage of cancer.

Forms of oncological pathology of the oral cavity

At the very beginning of development, cancer has three forms:

• Ulcerative. It develops quickly, but maybe slowly. In each case individually. This is 50% of cases. Oral cancer is clearly visible in the photo. The initial stage in ulcer form is successfully treated.
• Nodal It is less common. These are white spots that have seals around the perimeter. It develops more slowly than the ulcer form.
• Papillary. The development of this form is very fast. Dense growths over the mucosa.

Cancer development periods

The process of cancer of the oral mucosa in its development goes through the following stages:

• Elementary.
• Process development.
• Launched.

The absence of symptoms is one of the characteristic manifestations of the first stage of development of oral cancer. Wounds, cracks, nodular formations appear, which increase gradually.

No pain. Cancer of the oral cavity of the initial stage is clearly shown in the photo above. When pain occurs, patients associate this with diseases of the throat, teeth, but not with the formation of a tumor.

Stages of the tumor process

The evolution of cancer of the oral mucosa can be divided into 4 stages:

• First stage. The tumor is not more than 1 centimeter in diameter. It is characteristic that the process does not go beyond the mucous and submucosal layers. There are no metastases.
• Second stage. The tumor in diameter does not exceed 2 centimeters. Typically, germination in the underlying tissue to a depth of 1 centimeter. There are no metastases. Perhaps the presence of one regional metastasis.
• Third stage. The tumor does not exceed 3 centimeters in diameter. There are many regional metastases on the side. Characterized by the absence of distant metastases.
• Fourth stage. The tumor is more than 3 centimeters in diameter. Germination in the hyoid region, cortical layer, bones, skin, lower alveolar nerve is characteristic. Metastases are observed in all distant organs.

It is possible to diagnose and determine the stage of cancer of the oral mucosa only after a complete diagnosis. About it - further.

Diagnosis of the disease

First of all, the doctor should find out the following questions:

• How long has discomfort in the oral cavity.
• What is the nature of the pain, if any.
• What anti-inflammatory or painkillers did the patient take?
• What are bad habits.
• Have there been any similar diseases in the family?

A physical examination of the oral cavity, palpation of regional lymph nodes is carried out . Then the doctor can send for ultrasound. If there is a tumor process, a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph node and tumor is performed. It is a biopsy that makes it possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

The diagnosis can be confirmed by conducting only a histological examination of the tumor. This is possible after surgery. A tumor and a removed organ are sent for research.

Diagnostic procedures also include:

• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
  
• Chest x-ray.
• Osteoscintigraphy.
• CT of the head and neck.

Such studies are necessary to determine metastases in distant organs.

Initial treatment methods

Oral cancer at the beginning of its development involves surgery. Used to treat the first stage.

Surgical intervention depends on where the tumor is located. Sometimes you have to do radical operations and remove half a language. In the soft palate, it is possible after excision to restore the tissues of the tongue. As a rule, after surgery, reconstruction is required. Also for patients, this is a huge risk. A large number of deaths. The operations are very difficult and traumatic.

In the early stages, a gamma ray irradiation technique is used without surgery. It can be combined with complete or partial removal of the tumor. A popular treatment for the initial stage of oral cancer is shown in the photo below.

X-ray radiation has a great effect on the tumor process.

The remaining stages can be treated only by using the combined method.

Radiation therapy

This method is used before surgery. Irradiation is also used in the early stages of cancer. It allows you to reduce the tumor to 1 centimeter. The larger the size of the malignancy, the greater the dose of radiation used. Before treatment with the radiation method, a complete sanitation of the oral cavity should be performed. All teeth must be healthy, and metal crowns and fillings must be removed. As a rule, radiation therapy is used if the tumor is small.

Gamma rays kill not only cancer cells, but also healthy ones. The possible side effects are:

• Redness of the skin.
• Increased dryness of the skin, cracks.
• Voice change.
• Dry mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing.

All side effects disappear after treatment.

It is also possible to use the brachytherapy method. A rod is inserted into the cancerous tumor, which provides radiation.

Radiation therapy can reduce the growth and reproduction of cancer cells, and also reduces the risk of relapse.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can be used in combination treatment both at the initial stage and in advanced cases. It is used both before surgery and after. May be combined with radiation therapy. Drugs in each case are selected individually. Medicines are administered through a dropper. Which one, depends on the stage, type and progressivity of the tumor process.

Chemotherapy drugs can reduce the tumor, remove metastases, reduce the risk of repeated relapses. The chemotherapy procedure is also shown in the initial stage of oral cancer. The photo shows the procedure.

In the first stages, chemotherapy can also be prescribed.

During chemotherapy, the following side effects may occur:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting
• Prostration.
• Fungal infections.
• Diarrhea.
• Pain

When the first symptoms of the disease appear, consult a doctor. Your life depends on it. What is the prognosis of oral cancer? About it - further.

Disease prognosis

The effectiveness of treatment depends on many factors:

• Tumor size.
• The presence of metastases.
• How long the process takes.

It is also important to know the degree of differentiation of the malignant process. She may be:

• High.
• Low.
• Moderate.

The prognosis is good when the processes are less aggressive. In this case, the tumor responds well to treatment and the risk of spreading metastases is reduced.

In the initial stage, oral cancer is treatable. The chances of a full recovery are very large. The third and fourth stages reduce the likelihood of a full recovery, especially if the metastasis process has spread to all organs. However, science does not stand still, and oncologists have achieved 60% survival even in the third and fourth stages.

The prognosis of treatment depends on how timely you went to the doctor. In the early stages, it is favorable, but the third and fourth stages are treatable. It is necessary to strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Oral Cancer Prevention

If you are at risk or have a hereditary predisposition, you should follow simple recommendations to reduce the risk of oral cancer:

• Give up bad habits. Smoking, chewing tobacco increase the risk by 4 times.
• Observe oral hygiene.
• Timely and accurately carry out the treatment of teeth and gums.
• Make sure that there are no traumatic fillings or dentures in the mouth.
• Food should be balanced. Vegetables and fruits, cereals must be in the diet.
• Avoid very hot and cold dishes, food with preservatives, fried and spicy.
• Limit your time in the sun. Use sunscreen.
• If you are at risk, undergo regular medical examinations.
• Timely treat fungal diseases, stomatitis and chronic diseases.

Take care of your health! Remember: a timely visit to a doctor can save your life.