Oral Cancer
Signs and Symptoms
- Small white or red lump or thickened patch of skin in the mouth-usually located on the side or bottom of the tongue, on the floor of the mouth, inside the cheeks, on the gums, On the roof of the mouth, or on the palate
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal
- Pain while eating or drinking
Description
Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth or upper part of the throat. It is a common form of cancer among people who drink excessively and among people who use tobacco products-cigars, cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco. Industrial carcinogens also are believed to contribute to oral cancer.
An oral tumor begins as a small, painless lump in the mouth. As the cancer progresses, the lump becomes red and painful; at this stage the tumor is easily mistaken for a canker sore. It may also grow in size. People with the condition may also have difficulty swallowing or notice that small wounds in the mouth will not heal. If left unchecked, the cancer may spread to the nearby lymph nodes in the neck.
When detected at an early stage, oral cancer is highly curable. However, since the lump rarely causes discomfort, and because it may be the only symptom, oral cancer is often allowed to progress untreated. In fact, an estimated 25 percent of people with oral cancer die because of delayed detection and treatment.
Conventional Medical Treatment
If you notice an abnormal growth in your mouth, or experience any of the symptoms of oral cancer, see your dentist or physician immediately. Either can take a tissue sample from the tumor to examine for cancerous cells. If the tumor is small and the cancer has not spread to other tissues, surgery alone is usually successful in removing the cancer. Surgical options include laser surgery and cryosurgery (freezing the tumor with liquid nitrogen). If the tumor is large or if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, a combination of surgery and radiation or chemotherapy may be required. If a significant amount of tissue is removed from the mouth, reconstructive surgery may be necessary.
Complementary and Alternative Treatments
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupunrture Acupuncture cau he used to block energy pathways and stimulate the release of endorphins, both of which can help alleviate any pain caused by oral cancer.
Acupressure To relieve the stomach upset caused by radiation or chemotherapy, an acupressure technician may apply a firm touch to Pericardium 6 (on the inside of the forearm).
Chinese Herbal Therapy Aloe has been shown to reduce the spread of cancerous tumors and have a protective effect on the skin during radiation treatments. A common Chinese herbal remedies prescribed to cancer patients is Three Yellows, while single herbs that may be added to treat mouth cancer include akebia, balloon flower, and chinese black cohosh.
