Cancer of the Mouth

Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

The harmful effects of smoking are well-established and is confirmed daily as new statistics come to light.

As is known smoking is implicated in the cancer of the larynx, oropharynx, esophagus, causing 50-75% mortality. They usually occur after the age of 40 years.

The majority of these cancers of the mouth and throat are caused by smoking, alcohol abuse, or both. 

Other factors that substantially increase the risk of cancer of the mouth:

• Immunodeficiency 
• Malnutrition 
• Poor oral hygiene 
• Shoddy dentures that do not fit well 
• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun that is responsible for causing cancer especially of the lips 
• Occupational exposure to toxins
• Viral Infections 

Signs and Symptoms:

• Sore mouth that does not heal or that bleeds easily 
• White or red lesions in the mouth that do not heal 
• Presence of a lump or bulge
• Pain in mouth,  throat,tongue 
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing 
• Loss of teeth 

The sooner these symptoms and lesions are evaluated by an ear-nose and throat surgeon the greater the chance of  a successful therapy.

.
The survival rates of patients with cancer of the mouth or throat decreases dramatically once there are metastatic lesions.

Treatment
Oropharynx: Treatment options depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease, the location of the tumor and the general health of the patient. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Hypopharynx: Treatment options depend on the stage of disease, to preserve as much as possible the patient's ability to speak, eat and breath, and the general health of the patient. The treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy.

Smoking cessation is the ultimate preventitive method, as it significantly reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease and lung disease, regardless of age.