Oral Cancer

Beware of Oral Cancer Causing Habits

Let us shun the use of chewing or smoking tobacco or alcohol consumption. These adverse habits at some point in the life of an individual may induce cancer formation. Why subject ourselves to the risk of these life-threatening conditions which show no mercy on us. Let us be aware and try to stop these potentially hazardous adverse habits in order to help us escape from the morbidity and the risk of cancer mortality. After all, prevention is better than cure.

Cancer is a disease of older age.  More than 95% occur after 40 years of age. Average age at the time of cancer diagnosis is the 6^th decade of life. They tend to occur more frequently in males. Even though the exact cause is unknown, cancer risk increases with the use of tobacco, alcohol consumption and aging. There are probably multiple causes for every type of cancer.

Oral cancer is the second highest cancer occurring in the human being. Tongue is the most common site in Americans. Throat cancer in Southeast Asians and buccal cancer in Indians. Pain is the most frequent first complaint followed by a lump.

There are thousands of chemicals in a cigarette. A cigarette, smokes out - 500mg of gas (92%), (85% Co₂, O₂, N₂) and Carbon monoxide.  It contains “Tars” – aromatic hydrocarbons, which is the basis of the tobacco taste. It is a most potent carcinogen! It also contains “Nicotine” which is addictive causing habituation, and leads to cardiovascular disease, increases ulcer formation and hypertension. There are some people who smoke with the lighted end of the cigarette in the mouth - ‘reversed smoking.’ This may cause cancer of the palate, the upper part of the mouth.

Smoking tobacco causes red and white changes in the lips and inner aspect of cheeks which may also be an initial sign of cancer.

Chewing tobacco causes difficulty and finally inability to open the mouth which may also be an initial sign of cancer.

Tongue cancer caused by continuous pricking from sharp tooth. 

Apart from viruses and genetic factors, adverse habits like tobacco (chewing & smoking), use of slaked lime, betel leaf and nuts, spices, and alcohol and even a sharp tooth causing persistent irritation in the mouth may cause cancer. So, let us periodically have a mouth examination done, to prevent any change in the mouth which may be dangerous to our precious life! Indeed, everyday self-examination of the mouth can be done. If a person is unable to leave adverse habits then he or she may take the help of a dentist or oral physician or even a psychiatrist for any possible help.

So, let us stop this ‘cancer causing habits’ by work or prayer; awareness or knowledge; or even fear!

Dr. V. Anand, B.Sc., M.D.S.

Oral Physician & Dento-Maxillofacial Radiologist,

Member of the Indian Dental Association – IDA,

Indian Academy of Oral Medicine & Radiology – IAOMR,

Indian Association of Forensic Odontology – IAFO.

Professor & HoD,

Department of  Dentistry,

Meenakshi Medical College Hospital & Research Institute,

Enathur, 

Kanchipuram.