Understanding Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and High-Risk Groups

What is Oral Cancer?
The oral cavity includes the lips, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, uvula, tonsils, inner cheeks, pharynx, hypopharynx, salivary glands, and parotid glands. Cancerous cells can develop in any of these areas, forming oral cancer.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Who is More Susceptible to Oral and Throat Cancer? How to Determine if Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes Signal Cancer?

What Causes Oral and Throat Cancer?
Like many cancers, the exact causes of oral and throat cancer are unclear. However, individuals who smoke or consume alcohol excessively have a higher risk. Pipe or cigar smokers also face increased risks of tongue and cheek cancers. In regions where betel nut chewing is common or diets lack fresh fruits and vegetables, the incidence of oral and throat cancers is similarly elevated.

Who is More Likely to Develop Oral and Throat Cancer?

• Smokers and heavy alcohol consumers
• Elderly males
• Individuals with diets low in fresh fruits and vegetables
• Note:Oral and throat cancers are not hereditary.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral and Throat Cancer?

• Ulcers or lumps in the mouth, throat, head, or neck
• Pain while eating or speaking
• Noisy breathing, slurred speech, or hoarseness
• Numbness in the mouth or lips
• Sudden loosening of teeth
• Persistent nasal congestion or nosebleeds
• Sore throat
• Ear pain
• Swelling or lumps in the mouth or neck
• Pain in the face or upper jaw

These are the most common symptoms of oral and throat cancer. Symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location. For example, tongue cancer may cause slurred speech, while hypopharyngeal cancer can lead to hoarseness. Smokers and heavy drinkers may develop painless white or red patches in the mouth or on the tongue, which may bleed—a potential early sign of oral cancer.

Are Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes a Precursor to Oral Cancer?
It is not definitive. A thorough oral, throat, and neck examination is required for confirmation. While swollen neck lymph nodes are a common symptom of oral and throat cancers, they can also result from viral infections. The lymphatic system acts as the body’s defense against infections. Lymph nodes, distributed in the neck, armpits, and groin, produce white blood cells to combat pathogens. Swollen lymph nodes due to infections typically resolve with antibiotics. However, if a painless lump persists for 3–4 weeks, it may indicate cancer, as oral tumors often spread to neck lymph nodes.

How to Determine if Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes Signal Cancer?
Virus-related lymph node swelling usually subsides with antibiotics. If a painless lump persists for 3–4 weeks, seek immediate medical attention. The mouth and neck are interconnected, so oral tumors frequently metastasize to neck lymph nodes.

For any ear, nose, or throat concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre for detailed evaluation by our ENT specialists (Tel: 3100 0555).

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

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