Oral cancer can develop in any part of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Cancers of the mouth begin on the tongue and near the base of the mouth. Almost all oral cancers begin in the flat cells (porous cells), which cover the surface of the mouth, tongue and lips. These cancers are called squamous cell carcinoma.

Cancer spreads (metastasizes), usually via the lymphatic system. Cancer cells, which are part of the lymphatic system, lymph tolerated. Cancer cells are often found in nearby lymph nodes of the neck.

 

Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the neck, lungs and other parts of the body. When this happens, the new tumor has the appearance of cells such as primary tumor. For example, if the cancer spreads to the lungs, the cancer cells in the lungs - in fact, the cancer cells of the oral cavity. The disease is metastatic oral cancer, not lung cancer. And this disease is treated as oral cancer, but not as lung cancer. Doctors sometimes call the new tumor "distant" or metastatic disease.

Oral cancer: who may be in danger?

Doctors can not always explain why one person develops oral cancer, and another - no. However, the disease is not contagious. You can not "catch" cancer of the mouth of another person.
The study found that people who have certain risk factors, increases the risk of developing oral cancer. Risk Factor - is something that increases the risk of disease.

Risk factors for oral cancer:

• Tobacco: Tobacco use leads to cancers of oral cavity. Cigarettes, cigars or pipes, chewing tobacco - all associated with oral cancer. Use of other tobacco products may also increase the risk of oral cancer. Smokers who use tobacco for a long time, are in danger. Alcohol may also increase the risk of oral cancer. In fact, three out of four oral cancers occur in people who consume alcohol and / or tobacco.
• Alcohol: People who consume alcohol have a risk of developing oral cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that people consume. The risk increases if a person uses, and tobacco, and alcohol.
• Sun: Cancer of the lips can be caused by the sun. Use lotion or lip balm, which has the effect of sun, can reduce the risk. Hats can also block the harmful sun rays. The risk of mouth cancer increases if the person also smokes.
• Cancer of the brain and neck: People with cancer of the brain and neck are at risk for development of another primary cancer of the brain and neck. Smoking increases this risk.

Some studies suggest that humans, who do not eat enough fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Researchers are also studying the question whether the viral disease associated with certain types of oral cancer (eg, human papilloma virus).

 

If you feel that you may be in danger, you should always consult a doctor. You can ask the doctor about how this disease is diagnosed. The doctor will tell you what you need to stop using tobacco and alcohol, and what you can do to prevent the development of cancers of oral cavity. Also, if you spend a lot of time in the sun, then use a lip balm that contains sunscreen, and wear a hat that will protect your lips.