A doctor has spoken out about the symptoms of oral cancer

Malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and oropharynx are relatively rare - less than 10 cases per 100,000 people per year. Suna Isakova, an oncologist at SberZdorovye medical company, told Izvestia on December 4 about the causes and symptoms of oral cancer.

"Malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity and oropharynx are relatively rare - less than 10 cases per 100,000 people per year. The cause of their development is considered tobacco in various forms - chewing, in the form of cigarettes, as well as the use of strong alcohol, infection with human papillomavirus, especially the 16th and 18th types", - said Isakova.

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According to her, tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx can have a different appearance - surface-growing formation or ulcerative defect. For a cancerous tumor is characterized by rapid growth and sprouting into the surrounding tissues in contrast to benign neoplasms.

"Stomatitis, inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth, have the appearance of painful defects, but unlike the malignant process are characterized by a small size and usually heal within a week," the expert specified.

According to the expert, before normal cells grow into malignant cells, precancerous conditions can form on the mucosa - red and white foci, which later transform into a tumor. Depending on the localization of oral mucosal cancer, other signs may also appear, including a lumpy feeling in the throat, trouble swallowing or speaking, tooth mobility, inability to stick out the tongue normally, and a hoarse voice.

To prevent oral tumors, your doctor recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages and smoking. You can also get vaccinated against the human papillomavirus. The survival rate for all stages of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is above 50%.

"A consultation with an oncologist is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. If there are any changes and complaints, he will prescribe the necessary studies, among which a biopsy of the formation with subsequent evaluation of tissues. Also for diagnostics are conducted ultrasound of soft tissues of the head and neck, MRI or CT," - summarized Isakova.

Earlier, on December 2, a teacher of the Department of Fundamental Medical Disciplines of the Medical Faculty of the State University of Education, surgeon Alexander Umnov told "Izvestia" about the symptoms of a brain tumor. Severe headaches, cramps, numbness can speak of a brain tumor.