Cancer Articles (Dr. S.N White)

Who is at high risk for cancer of the cheek? Cancer of the inside of the cheek (sometimes referred to by doctors as buccal mucosa) occurs more often in males over the age of 55. It is believed that persons who chew tobacco and betel nuts or who bite their cheeks are at a higher risk of getting cancer of the cheek. What are the symptoms? The symptoms include a sore inside the cheek which does not heal, bloody saliva, and white patches inside the cheek. There is usually no pain. Does cancer of the cheek metastasize? Cancer of the cheek is usually slow growing. It also has a relatively low rate of metastasis. How is cancer of the cheek diagnosed? It is diagnosed by direct inspection and feeling by the doctor. Final diagnosis is by biopsy. How is cancer of the cheek treated? Early stages ofcancer ofthe cheek are treated with radiation or by surgery. Advanced cancer of the cheek is treated by surgery, followed by radiation and sometimes chemotherapy.

What kinds of cancers are found in the mouth? The cancers of the mouth (oral cavity) include the lip, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks (buccal mucosa), and gums (gingivae). Who is at high risk to get cancer of the mouth? This cancer is predominantly found in men between the ages of 60 and 70. People who are heavy smokers (more than a pack a day), drink alcohol heavily, are over 45, and have a family history of this kind of cancer are at a higher risk to develop cancers of the oral cavity, the mouth, and the throat. Is cancer of the mouth easy to detect? Yes, it is usually discovered early, since it can be seen easily. White patches ( leukoplakia ), velvety red spots (erythroplasia), or dark patches are symptoms which should be seen by a doctor, who will do a biopsy of them. Many cancers of the mouth are first discovered by dentists. What are the symptoms of oral cancer? The warning signs of oral cancer are as follows: • A lump in the cheek that can be felt with the ...