According to data from Globocan in 2020 oral cancer ranks 17th for the newest cases in Indonesia with a total of 5,780 cases.
Oral cavity cancer is a malignancy of the lips, buccal mucosa, teeth, gums, tongue, and the inside of the oral cavity. The most frequent cases are tongue cancer and the most common type of cancer cells in the oral cavity, namely squamous cell cancers.
The main cause of oral cancer is smoking. If canker sores do not go away for more than 2 months, it should be suspected as a pre-cancerous lesion. Immediately check and consult yourself with a doctor who is an expert.
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer are most often found in white or red patches on and sores that don't go away. Other symptoms of oral cavity cancer according to the location of cancer include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, bleeding wounds, or a lump in the neck.
Factors triggering the occurrence of oral cavity cancer include:
- Smoke
- Consumption of alcohol
- Genetic Factors
- HPV Virus Infection
- Chronic wounds that don't heal
- Poor nutrition.
To diagnose oral cancer, which includes anamnesis (main complaints, history of disease, risk factors), physical examination, other supporting examinations such as MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, and PET Scan, Laboratory, Anatomical Cytology/Pathology (examination of body tissue cells).
It is better for EMC friends to have regular checkups with a Dental Specialist once every 1-2 years to maintain healthy teeth and oral cavities. Examinations can be done more frequently or adjusted based on the health condition of your oral cavity.
The article was written by Dr. dr. Denni Joko Purwanto, Sp.B(K)Onk, MM (Surgery Specialist Consultant Oncologist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).