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| Although most of the epidemiological data for oral cancer comes from the Western world, there is enough evidence for its prioritisation as a major global health problem. Over 90% of tumours arising from the oral cavity and oropharynx are squamous cell carcinomas. An estimated 350,000 to 400,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Approximately 50% of patients survive for 5 years after treatment because of the frequency of metastases, and limitations in screening and curative technology. The prognosis for oral cancer patients is even worse in the so-called developing countries, where patients have limited access to oral health services and typically seek medical attention when the malignancy is at an advanced stage. Also, patients who survive a first encounter with the disease, have up to 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer, 5 to 10 years after the first lesion. |
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| Oral Cancer |
| Oral squamous cell carcinoma has been described as a disease which primarily affects males in the 6th and 7th decades of life. However, demographic reports suggest increasing incidence rates in younger adults as well as female patients. These trends may be attributed to habits; the use of known carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol, and adoption of diets poor in antioxidant micronutrients |
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Despite the advances made in surgery, radiation and chemotherapy regimens, survival rates for oral cancer patients have remained stagnant over the past three decades. Primary prevention, with emphasis on the control of potential aetiological factors, remains an important strategy against the disease. |
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| Oral Cancer |
| Cancerous growth occurring within the structures of the oral cavity is known as Oral Cancer. The oral cavity includes the mouth and all the structures within it, such as the tongue, teeth, gums, lower jaw etc. |
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| Cancer is an abnormal disorganized growth of cells in the tissue of a person. Cancer cells keep on multiplying without paying head to the body’s command to stop. This abnormal growth of cells destroys the normal structure and the function of the affected tissue and the body in general. |
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| Among other cancers oral cancer is one of the most common causes of death. In male, oral cancer represents 4% of total body cancer and in female; it is 2% of all cancers. Majority of the oral cancers affect the outer layer of mucous membrane covering the oral cavity. |
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| Causes |
| Cancer in the mouth does not occur overnight. It occurs as a series of changes within the tissue, which eventually promotes the development of cancer. |
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