Mouth cancer

What is mouth cancer? 

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, originates when cells in the lips, tongue, lining of the cheeks, hard or soft palate, gums, or floor of the mouth develop mutations. These mutations allow cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors. Mouth cancer can affect the ability to speak, chew, and swallow, significantly impacting quality of life. Understanding this disease is crucial to detecting and treating it early. 

Mouth cancer can affect the ability to speak, chew, and swallow, significantly impacting quality of life. Understanding this disease is crucial to detecting and treating it early. It is also important to know that mouth cancer is not a single disease, but a group of cancers that affect different parts of the mouth. 

Classification of mouth cancer 

Once mouth cancer is detected, it is essential to classify it to determine its aggressiveness and guide treatment. Mouth cancer is classified according to its location, type of cancer cell, and stage. Staging takes into account the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This classification is crucial for determining the best therapeutic course of action. 

Causes of mouth cancer 

Despite advances in research, the exact causes of mouth cancer are still not fully understood. It is believed that a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contributes to the development of the disease. Mouth cancer occurs when cells in the lips or oral cavity undergo changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations allow cancer cells to continue growing and dividing when healthy cells would die. The accumulation of cancer cells can form a tumor. 

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Classification of mouth cancer 

Once mouth cancer is detected, it is essential to classify it to determine its aggressiveness and guide treatment. Mouth cancer is classified according to its location, type of cancer cell, and stage. Staging takes into account the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This classification is crucial for determining the best therapeutic course of action. 

Causes of mouth cancer 

Despite advances in research, the exact causes of mouth cancer are still not fully understood. It is believed that a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contributes to the development of the disease. Mouth cancer occurs when cells in the lips or oral cavity undergo changes (mutations) in their DNA. These mutations allow cancer cells to continue growing and dividing when healthy cells would die. The accumulation of cancer cells can form a tumor. 

Risk factors for mouth cancer 

Identifying risk factors can help in understanding the likelihood of developing mouth cancer and in taking preventive measures. Several factors can increase the risk of developing mouth cancer: 

• Tobacco consumption: smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as the use of smokeless tobacco, significantly increases the risk. 

• Excessive alcohol consumption. 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: certain HPV strains, especially HPV-16, are associated with mouth cancer, particularly in the oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the tonsils and the base of the tongue). 

• Sun exposure: prolonged sun exposure, especially on the lips, can increase the risk of lip cancer. 

• Weakened immune system: people with weakened immune systems, whether due to illness or medical treatment, are at greater risk. 

Complications of mouth cancer 

If left untreated, mouth cancer can lead to various complications that affect the health and quality of life of patients. It is important to seek medical advice if the condition is suspected. Complications of mouth cancer and its treatment may include: 

• Difficulty swallowing: mouth cancer can make swallowing difficult, which can lead to nutritional problems and dehydration. 

• Difficulty speaking: mouth cancer can affect the ability to speak clearly. 

• Pain: mouth cancer can cause pain, which may be constant or intermittent. 

• Cancer spread or metastasis: mouth cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, and bones. 

Diagnosis of mouth cancer 

An accurate and early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. The diagnostic process for mouth cancer generally includes the following steps, which allow doctors to determine the presence, location, and extent of the cancer:  

• Physical examination: the doctor will examine the mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities, such as ulcers, spots, or lumps. This initial examination is crucial for identifying any suspicious signs. 

• Biopsy: if an abnormality is found, a tissue sample (biopsy) will be taken for examination under a microscope to determine whether it is cancerous.  A biopsy is the definitive test to confirm a diagnosis of mouth cancer.  

• Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.  

• Endoscopy: in some cases, an endoscopy can be performed to examine hard-to-reach areas in the mouth and throat. HM Hospitales has an advanced respiratory endoscopy program. 

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: if mouth cancer is diagnosed, a test can be performed to determine whether HPV is involved. 

Mouth cancer treatment 

Mouth cancer treatment is individualized according to the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, their general health status, and their preferences. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the cancer and prevent its recurrence, while minimizing side effects. Treatment options may include: 

• Surgery: it is the most common treatment for early-stage mouth cancer. The surgeon can remove the tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. At HM Hospitales, we have expert surgeons specializing in head and neck cancer surgery. 

• Radiotherapy: it uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Radiotherapy can cause side effects such as dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and changes in taste. 

• Chemotherapy: it uses medications to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used in combination with radiotherapy, after surgery, or on its own in cases where the disease is not curable. Chemotherapy can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss. 

• Targeted therapy: targeted therapy medications attack specific proteins in cancer cells that allow them to grow and survive. These medications can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.  Targeted therapy can cause side effects such as skin rashes, diarrhea, and liver problems. 

• Immunotherapy: it helps the body’s immune system fight cancer. It can be used to treat mouth cancer that is advanced and has not responded to other treatments. Immunotherapy can cause side effects such as fatigue, skin rashes, and diarrhea. 

• Rehabilitation: it can help patients regain speech, swallowing, and chewing function after mouth cancer treatment.   

A multidisciplinary approach is common, involving head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, and other specialists, and is essential for comprehensive and personalized treatment. 

Remember that this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you suspect you have mouth cancer, consult a specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.