Mouth cancer could affect 15,000 people this year. Expert comments on the disease
Summary
INCA estimates indicate an increase in cases of oral cancer in Brazil and warn of risk factors and signs of the disease.
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According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), the estimated number of new cases of oral cancer in Brazil, for each year of the three-year period 2023-2025, is 15,100 cases, corresponding to an estimated risk of 6.99 per 100 . thousand inhabitants, 10,900 men and 4,200 women. These values correspond to an estimated risk of 10.30 new cases per 100,000 men and 3.83 per 100,000 women. In this investigation, the lip, oral cavity, salivary glands and oropharynx were considered tumors.
To raise awareness on the topic, the first week of November is considered National Oral Cancer Awareness Week. Dentist Andreia Coelho, who works at the Órion Complex clinical center, in Goiânia, points out that some habits can increase the risk of developing the disease.
“Smoking; excessive alcohol consumption; sun exposure, especially on the lips; HPV infection (sexually transmitted disease); poor oral hygiene and family history of oral cancer. These risk factors should be avoided,” he warns.
The specialist also explains the signs of the disease, which do not hurt at first. “One of the difficulties in diagnosing oral cancer early is that in the early stages there are no pain symptoms and when you go to the dentist it is already in an advanced stage. However, there are signs we should always pay attention to, such as sores in the mouth or lips that do not heal and white or red spots on the gums, tongue, tonsils or lining of the mouth. In addition to pain or the sensation of something stuck in the throat; difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing; numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth; swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable, and persistent ear pain.
Mouth points
According to Andreia Coelho, some areas of the oral cavity are more likely to develop the disease.
“Oral cancer can occur in different areas of the mouth, but a few are most commonly affected: tongue, floor of the mouth, lips, gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth, tonsils and back of the throat. It is important that people always check these areas of the mouth if there are wounds that do not hurt or change shape or color,” he warns.
According to the dentist, some habits can help prevent the disease. “Although it is not possible to completely prevent oral cancer, there are several measures that can significantly reduce the risk, such as not smoking and avoiding the use of any form of tobacco; avoid alcohol consumption; visit the dentist regularly; protect lips from the sun; maintain good oral hygiene; adopt a healthy diet, get vaccinated against HPV and use condoms”.
It also highlights the importance of repairing the oral cavity. “You should also do a regular self-examination of your mouth, that is, pay attention to any changes or abnormalities in your mouth and consult a dentist or doctor whenever you notice anything suspicious,” he advises.
Andreia Coelho further explains that oral cancer treatment is carried out by an oncologist and a surgeon and may involve surgery to remove the lesion, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
