Oral Cancer Herbal Supplements

Basics

One of the easiest cancers to detect, oral cancer involves the cancerous growth of cells in the oral cavity. It may appear on the lips, gums, and tongue and throughout the back, roof and floor of the mouth. Cancer cells growing at these sites may spread to the neck's lymph nodes and the jawbones, if left undetected. It is also known as squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity, and mouth and throat cancer.

Oral cancer represents approximately 3% of all cancers. This, however, translates to 30,000 new cases every year in the United States.

The condition progresses in stages and can eventually spread to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system and the blood stream. Stage progression is important for the physician to be aware of so that an appropriate treatment plan can be made. It is classified on the basis of the size of the lesion/ulcer and how far the cancerous growth has affected other body parts. The different stages of progression can be classified thus.

Stage I. The cancer is no more than 2 centimeters (about 1 inch) and has not spread to lymph nodes in the area (lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures, found throughout the body to produce and store infection-fighting cells).

Stage II. The cancer is more than 2 centimeters, but less than 4 centimeters (less than 2 inches), and has not spread to lymph nodes in the area.

Stage III. Either of the following may hold for this stage:

The cancer is more than 4 centimeters.
The cancer is any size but has spread to only one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer. The lymph node that contains cancer measures no more than 3 centimeters (just over one inch).

Stage IV. Any of the following may be true:

The cancer has spread to tissues around the lip and oral cavity. The lymph nodes in the area may or may not contain cancer.
The cancer is any size and has spread to more than one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the cancer, to lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck, or to any lymph node that measures more than 6 centimeters (over 2 inches).
The cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Recurrent
Recurrent disease means that the cancer has recurred after it has been treated. It may come back in the lip and oral cavity or in another part of the body.

Bookmark this page

Symptoms

Cancers of the mouth may manifest in various forms.

Any persistent white patch
Additionally, velvety red patches, particularly those with white speckles
Any non-healing ulcers.
A painful or painless growing mass that usually is easily seen when the area is examined
Bleeding or numbness
Difficulty swallowing
Limited tongue movement and speech difficulties
loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures
Changes in taste or tongue sensation
A painful, enlarged lymph node in the neck

The tongue is the most common site of oral cancer. Typically, the side of the tongue is involved. The floor of the mouth is next in order of frequency followed by the insides of the cheeks with involvement of other areas showing a lesser incidence. More often than not, these areas are painless.

Many oral cancers begin as leukoplakia (lesions) or mouth ulcers, non cancerous in nature. Over time it can develop into a type of cancer that can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system and bloodstream. Oral cancers can grow outward as a wart-like mass. Or they can be ulcers that invade inwardly. The likelihood of cancer spreading throughout the body increases with the time they are left untreated.

Prevention

Prevention is the best approach and can best be achieved by avoiding risk factors such as refraining from all tobacco products and consuming alcohol in moderation.

Causes

Different locations for cancerous cell growth have different causative factors, most common among them being:

Cigarette smoking
Chewing tobacco or using snuff
Heavy alcohol use
Exposure to harmful UV rays in the sun (applies to lip cancers only)
Habits such as lip biting and cheek chewing
Poor dental/oral hygiene
Irritation caused by ill-fitting dentures, tooth fillings etc.

Cancers of the head and neck are most often found in people who are over the age of 45. Cancer of the lip is more common in men than in women, and is more likely to develop in people with light-colored skin who have been in the sun a lot. Cancer of the oral cavity is more common in people who chew tobacco or smoke pipes.

Diagnosis

Currently, diagnosing oral cancer relies on studying the histopathology of tissues through biopsy. X-ray technologies, like computed tomography, and other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging are sometimes used to detect the location and extent of the primary tumor. These techniques can help determine the stage of the tumor based on its size and whether it has spread. But cancer that can be evaluated by these imaging technologies has already taken root. Now, scientists are looking for ways to find cancer before it becomes clinically evident. Oral Cancers can be diagnosed by the following methods:
Screening for Oral Cancer (NCI)
Diagnosing Oral Cancer (NIDCR)
Oral Cancer Self Examination (ODU)
Staging of Lip and Oral Cancer (NCI)
Screening for cancer is examination(or testing) of people for early stages in the development of cancer even though they have no symptoms. Scientists have studied patterns of cancer in the population to learn which people are more likely to get certain types of cancer. They have also studied what things around us and what things we do in our lives may cause cancer. This information sometimes helps doctors recommend who should be screened for certain types of cancer, what types of screening tests people should have, and how often these tests should be done.

Dietary Guidelines

Avoid saturated fats salts sugars and alcohols coffee caffeine and animal proteins and restrict dairy diets. Eat a diet high in fibers eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Brown rice and a diet if vegetables is necessary and helpful.

Home Care Suggestions

Use relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to ease tension and maintain a positive attitude. Keep yourself occupied with tasks and things you would love to do.

Mind/Body Considerations

There is a great deal of data available which shows that our mental condition and attitude and the way we respond to stress can greatly increase our risks of developing a disease like cancer. It is very important to cultivate a positive attitude.