Cancers of oral cavity

Have you noticed a strange sore in your mouth that won’t seem to heal? Cancers of the oral cavity, or mouth cancers, can develop on any part of the mouth including the lips, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and tongue. Oral cavity cancer is commonly grouped into a category known as head and neck cancers, and can be treated by Douglas Anderson, an ENT specialist at Ogden Clinic in Utah.

Symptoms of Oral Cavity Cancer

If your condition is mouth cancer, you may experience:

• Difficulty with chewing and swallowing
• Sores that bleed or won’t heal
• Growths in the lining of your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Tongue pain
• Pain or stiffness in the jaw
• Sore throat

Treatment Options for Oral Cavity Cancer

Depending on the type of oral cavity cancer, Douglas Anderson, MD may recommend one of the following treatment options.

Surgery to remove the tumor: If you have a tumor in your mouth, the doctor may perform surgery to remove the growth and some of the surrounding healthy tissue. Smaller tumors may only need minor surgery, whereas larger tumors may require major procedures such as removing a portion of your tongue or jawbone. Tumor surgery may also lead to reconstructive mouth surgery, restoring any abilities hampered by the initial procedure, such as eating and talking.

Radiation and chemotherapy: Radiation and chemotherapy are often used in combination to kill cancerous cells. Radiation uses high-energy beams to destroy the cells, while chemotherapy uses chemicals to kills the cells.

Lifestyle changes: To prevent reoccurrence of oral cancer, the doctor may recommend several lifestyle changes, which include quitting alcohol and tobacco use, exercising regularly, relaxing, and getting regular massages and acupuncture.

If you have a strange sore or lump in your mouth, it is important to schedule an appointment with Douglas Anderson, ENT specialist in Ogden, for an oral cavity cancer screening.