Oropharyngeal Cancer – Dangerous Symptoms

Oropharyngeal cancer is not always caused by smoking. The disease affects the mouth, tongue, palate and throat, and is closely related to solar radiation and the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Although it is quite a rare type of cancer, cancer of the mouth and throat most often affects people over 50, mainly men.

The number of cases of the disease increases in direct proportion to the increasing life expectancy.

Early recognition of the symptoms of this cancer is very important, especially as they may be confused with symptoms of herpes, ulceration, or minor inflammation.

The problem is more complicated in non-smokers. Oropharyngeal cancer is usually associated with smokers.

Many people think, “I don’t smoke, so I’m not in danger of this cancer.” However , mouth and throat cancer affects both smokers and non-smokers. It is imperative that you recognize the early symptoms in order to be able to respond to them as quickly as possible.

Oropharyngeal cancer – symptoms

It often happens that people who have a weak immune system and are used to mouth infections, herpes or bleeding gums do not notice the symptoms associated with this disease. The physician must conduct a thorough examination of the entire tongue and throat to determine what kind of changes these are.

The biopsy will then help determine whether the changes in the epithelial tissue are cancerous.  Let’s look at the main symptoms of mouth and throat cancer.

Physical changes in the mouth

• The first symptoms of mouth and throat cancer are small, non-healing herpes.
• Red or white spots appear on the tongue, gums, or lips.
  

• If you notice any changes in your mouth that do not show improvement within a few days, see your doctor and tell him about the problem.

Pain that is getting worse gradually

Another symptom of mouth and throat cancer is pain when you chew or swallow it. Denture wearers immediately notice that the dentures are starting to hurt, causing them pain or bleeding.

• There is pain when talking.
• Moving your tongue and even grinding your teeth causes long-lasting pain.
• This pain may radiate to the ears.

Feeling of a lump in the throat

Difficulty swallowing, frequent irritation of the tonsils, and occasional blood when coughing are symptoms that must not be ignored.

• Remember, however, that these symptoms – although disturbing – very often do not indicate any serious disease and that even cancer of the throat and mouth can be minor.

• Early diagnosis is most important, so it is important to be able to notice the first symptoms of the disease.

Losing weight for no reason

Losing weight is a common consequence of cancer. Loss of appetite and inability to chew food normally is common in cancer of the mouth and throat.

The immune system is weakened, which no doubt leads to gradual weight loss.

Oropharyngeal Cancer – Can It Be Prevented?

As we have often said, you cannot protect yourself 100% against any disease.

However, you can control what influences its development.

The cancer we are talking about is associated with reasons such as:

• Smoking tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). The type that causes cancer in the mouth is HPV 16.
• UV. For example , mouth cancer is more common in people who work outdoors and are exposed to prolonged sunlight.
• Unhealthy diet and weak immune system.
• Genetic disorders like Fanconi anemia.

Now that you know the most common causes of this cancer, try to make the necessary changes to your lifestyle, but don’t become obsessed with it. Quitting smoking, switching to a healthy diet or using sunscreen is always a good idea.

In conclusion, the main thing is not to be afraid. In the event of a problem, do not be afraid to visit a doctor who will be able to make an appropriate diagnosis.

It is worth taking care of your health and remembering that we should always put it first.