{"id":3506,"date":"2019-01-31T23:07:36","date_gmt":"2019-01-31T23:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3506"},"modified":"2021-03-25T15:40:56","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T15:40:56","slug":"15-causes-of-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-causes-of-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Causes of Oral Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Patients who have any stage of oral cancer hold an 81% survival rate in their first year. The five-year survival rate makes a drastic drop to 56% while the 10-year survival rate is even lower with only 41%. When you get a dental exam, your dentist also checks for any signs of oral cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This involves searching for any irregularities in connective tissue as well as checking for lumps that might be present in your oral cavity. While your dentist examines your mouth, they will also look out for any sores as well as discoloration of tissue as this could be a symptom of oral cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there are any areas that grab the suspicion of your dentist, they may call for a biopsy to confirm or deny their suspicions. Many doctors no longer use brush biopsies due to the fact that they will need to run a scalpel biopsy anyway even if the brush biopsy comes up positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Smokeless tobacco
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Many people think that smokeless tobacco <\/a>isn\u2019t harmless just because it doesn\u2019t generate smoke. The hard truth is that any tobacco product, even the smokeless variety, can pose serious risks to your health. One of these risks is an increased chance of developing oral cancer at any point in your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond oral cancer, you will also have a higher chance of developing liver, oesophageal, and pancreatic cancer if you smoke. Smoking kills isn\u2019t just some government campaign slogan, it\u2019s a legitimate warning. The number of smokers has declined in recent years due to awareness campaigns run by both national governments as well as non-profits, but there are still countless people who put their life on the line by sucking on these cancer sticks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people first get into smoking at school due to peer pressure or because they think it\u2019s \u201ccool.\u201d That said, no level of praise from your friends or \u201ccool\u201d appearance is worth getting oral cancer for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Betel nuts
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Betel nuts<\/a> aren\u2019t actually nuts, they\u2019re the seeds of the betel palm tree. These so-called nuts are pretty addictive. You\u2019ll find them used in various countries, prominently in Southeast Asian communities. These include people who hail from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Betel nuts hold a similar stimulating effect that coffee beans provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, they also contain carcinogens which can increase the odds of developing oral cancer and even other types of cancer. Some people chew these nuts in unison with tobacco which further increases the risk of developing various types of cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the tradition of betel nut consumption, many studies have found that those who hail from Southeast Asian countries have a higher chance of developing oral cancer at any point in their life. Whether your chew betel nuts with tobacco or alone, it\u2019s important that you stop immediately to avoid further increasing the risk of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.Diet
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Diet <\/a>is another thing that can play a role in developing oral cancer, specifically a poor diet. Many studies have found evidence that people who have poor diets hold a higher chance of developing various types of oral cancer, as well as being vulnerable to other conditions that could make life harder for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People need to have a healthy diet that contains a balanced amount of every nutrient that their body needs to operate efficiently. This means that you should include vegetables, fruits, protein, and dairy in your diet. There was a recent study in New Zealand showing that the risk of developing oral cancer went down by a percent for every kilogram of vegetables that you consumed per week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might have thought that eating your green vegetables was just some boilerplate advice that you parents regurgitated after watching some morning nutrition show, but it\u2019s actually true, and might be the one thing that saves you from oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
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Many people think that HPV <\/a>is a singular various. In fact, the term HPV is used to describe a whole family of viruses. HPV is short for human papillomavirus. These types of various target moist membranes as well as skins. Your throat, mouth, anus, and cervix all contain moist membranes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people think that they can only catch HPV by going all the way with their sexual partner, but this couldn\u2019t be further from the truth. Of course, full penetrative intercourse will increase the odds of transmission. That said, any form of close skin-to-skin contact can lead to the transmission of HPV. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thus, sticking to oral or even hand-based intercourse won\u2019t protect you from HPV. In some cases, various types of HPV can lead to abnormal tissue growth within your mouth, leading to oral cancer down the road. Plus, even if you don\u2019t get oral cancer from your HPV, having HPV is bad enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Oral hygiene
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Believe it or not, cleanliness is actually next to godliness, at least in the sense that maintaining a good oral hygiene routine will leave you impervious to oral cancer much like Zeus. Well, not impervious, but at least you\u2019ll have a far lower chance of developing it than if you had a poor oral hygiene <\/a>routine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some cancers are associated with chronic wounds. Due to this, there is a possibility that broken teeth that cause frequent wounds on the tongue or ulcers on the lips could increase your odds of developing mouth cancer. That being the case, it\u2019s essential that you keep your teeth and mouth healthy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only will it protect you from oral cancer, but it will also protect you from other oral issues including gingivitis and gum disease \u2014 as well as making you more appealing to the ladies. If you want to stay attractive, healthy, and cancer-free, don\u2019t forget to floss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Smoking
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Smoking <\/a>is one of the most harmful activities that someone can engage in. It leads to so many possibilities of disease that it begs the question of why people still use it. We already covered smokeless tobacco above, but some studies show that non-smokeless varieties of tobacco could be more harmful than the smokeless varieties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The studies indicating this are admittedly in the early stages so there\u2019s no conclusive evidence yet, but even in the best-case scenario, researchers will find that the two pose an equal risk. An equal risk isn\u2019t zero risks, As such, avoid any form of tobacco \u2014 smokeless or not. Smoking could also cause lung cancer, and some people even develop both lung and oral cancer after smoking for an extended period of time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many studies have shown that both the addictiveness and severity of the health impact of smoking is greater than that of marijuana. If you want to save your mouth, your health, and your life, put that cancer stick down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Alcoholism
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Much like smoking, alcoholism <\/a>can also increase the odds of oral cancer. Let us start by saying that your odds of developing oral cancer from moderated and recreational drinking is very low. In contrast, chronic and excessive consumption of alcohol could lead to long-term and severe irritation of the cells within your mouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This irritation will make the cells far more vulnerable to oral cancer in comparison to healthy cells of those who drink in moderation or who don\u2019t drink at all. When we say moderation, it\u2019s important that you define what that actually means. Healthy adults are usually limited to a drink a day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anything beyond that will be considered excessive. For men who are below the age of 65, two drinks each day are permissible but starting to border on excessive. Three drinks a day will always be excessive regardless of gender or age. It\u2019s worth noting that if you don\u2019t drink now, we don\u2019t recommend starting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. UV radiation
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Ultraviolet radiation <\/a>is another common cause of cancer, specifically skin cancer, but what many don\u2019t know is that excessive exposure to sunlight can also increase your chances of developing oral cancer. If you are in the sun frequently, you should protect your lips by staying in shade, wearing a hat that covers your whole face, and using lip products that contain sunscreen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid spending extended periods of time out in the sun, especially during the early afternoon when the sun burns the brightest. Try to use your phone camera to see if your hat is shading your face all the way down to your lips. If your lips are exposed, get a new hat. Remember, simple things like using sunscreen and wearing hats can be the difference between decades of health or developing skin\/oral cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid occupations that require prolonged sun exposure such as construction work or pool cleaning as these may increase your risk of developing these types of cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Chemical Carcinogens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer has a range of causes that have yet to be confirmed by medical science. However, some researchers suggest that exposure to chemical carcinogens <\/a>may play a significant role in the development of the disease. Studies show that dosing lab mice with the chemical carcinogen, DMBA, results in the formation and growth of oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We risk exposure to numerous carcinogenic chemicals through the contamination of food and drinking water supplies. Some studies suggest that drinking local water supplies in towns with poor water purification infrastructure may be a cause for the concern of developing oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pesticides and other toxins found on unwashed commercially produced fruit and vegetables may also play a role in chemical carcinogen contamination. Remember to wash all of your produce thoroughly. We recommend that you add a 12-cup of baking soda to some warm water in the sink, and rinse your fruits and vegetables in this solution before cooking or storing.
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10. Herpes Virus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Infection with the Herpes <\/a>virus causes many adverse health issues. This contagious virus typically spreads through contact with body fluids. It\u2019s a common sexually transmitted infection that affects people of all ages. However, it\u2019s important to note that you can contract the disease without any sexual contact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drinking or eating with utensils or glassware used by an affected individual is all it takes to contract the Herpes virus. In most cases, infected individuals may not present any symptoms and only act as a carrier of the virus. In other cases, where symptoms are present, infected individuals may notice the development of cold sores on their lips or a rash on their genitals. Herpes sores sometimes affect the lining of the mouth, as well as the labia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no known cure for the Herpes virus, and affected individuals may carry the virus for the rest of their life. Forms of Herpes, such as the Epstein Barr Virus, is strongly associated with the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphoma. Doctors may also detect the Herpes Simplex virus in oral cancer cells, with the cells exacerbating the onset of the disease.
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11. Smoking Cannabis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

2018 saw numerous legislation legalizing the use of cannabis in the United States. As a result of re-education and lobbying by pro-cannabis groups, there are now 33 states with legal medical marijuana available for regulated public consumption. Recreational cannabis use is now legal in 10 states throughout the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pundits tout cannabis <\/a>as a medicinal plant with healing properties that can cure a range of ailments, from the common cold to cancer. However, since cannabis consumption and cultivation is still illegal at the Federal level, there is still a massive black market for the drug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many illegal growers use pesticides and chemical nutrients in grows to kill pests and increase harvest yield. However, there is no government body regulating the production and use of these toxic substances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, black market cannabis users run the risk of developing oral cancer due to the carcinogens found in dried flowers of the cannabis plant.
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12. Cirrhosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Liver cancer is a dread disease, affecting more than 42,000 Americans each year. The liver becomes fatty due to lifestyle decisions, such as over-indulging in alcohol or abusing painkillers. If left undiagnosed and untreated, liver cirrhosis can force the development of cancer cells. Liver cancer is an extremely aggressive form of the disease, and many patients perish due to eventual liver failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies in Taiwan suggest that cirrhosis is an indicator of the potential for developing oral cancer as well. The research shows that people with liver cirrhosis <\/a>have a diminished 1-year survival rate from the effects of oral cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any abdominal swelling and pain on your right side, you may be suffering from liver cirrhosis. Arrange a consultation with your doctor to treat the symptoms of the disease. While you\u2019re in the doctor\u2019s office, they may run blood tests to check for the presence of oral cancer as well.
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13. Syphilis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This sexually transmitted disease will infect an expected 28,000 Americans in 2019. Syphilis <\/a>is spread through sexual contact with infected individuals and is known as \u201cthe great imitator,\u201d because of its ability to present symptoms associated with other diseases. The bacterium, \u201cTreponema pallidum,\u201d enters breaks in the skin, infecting the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital that infected individuals seek treatment as soon as possible. Doctors classify syphilis in two categories; Early \u2013 being within a year after infection, and late \u2013 diagnosis over a year after initial infection with the disease. The duration of infection plays a significant role in treating the disease, as well as the length of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Syphilis is a reportable disease, meaning that doctors need to inform health authorities of any new infections. People with late-stage syphilis infection may develop secondary symptoms, including diffuse mucocutaneous lesions, and mucous patches can also involve the oral mucosa \u2013 leading to the development of oral cancer.
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14. Changes to DNA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cancerous cells start to develop in the mouth when cells undergo mutations to their DNA structure. DNA <\/a>is the genetic material that instructs cell behavior and function. When modifications to DNA occur, the cells in your mouth and lips lose their genetic guidelines, and they continue to divide and grow instead of dying off – as is part of the standard cell cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the cancerous cells eventually form a tumor inside the mouth. Oral cancer typically starts in the squamous cells lining the inside of the mouth and the lips. These flat, thin cells are at the highest risk of DNA mutation, and the majority of mouth cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, (SCC\u2019s.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is still at a loss to explain the development of SCC\u2019s in the mouth. However, physicians and medical researchers have identified a set of risk factors that may increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
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15. Top Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve listed 14 risk factors for developing oral cancer in this article. As you can see, the majority of causes for the development of mouth cancer, are related to lifestyle <\/a>choices. People who enjoy self-destructive habits, such as the over-consumption of alcohol, and smoking, should evaluate the necessity of these behaviors in their life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often is the case that individuals who develop mouth cancer due to a poor lifestyle, deeply regret their decisions in life. Don\u2019t wait for cancer diagnosis \u2013 start changing your habits today to lead a healthier life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop smoking and drinking, eat a balanced diet of nutritious food, drink plenty of purified water, and start exercising. By taking control of your life and your habits, you can change your outcome and avoid the development of cancer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Living a healthy life does not mean that you can\u2019t develop mouth cancer, but it dramatically reduces the chances of your developing this dread disease.
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