5-6 ORAL CANCER Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the 2 main characteristics of cancer?
1: the uncontrolled growth of cells in the human body
2: the ability for these cells to migrate and spread
Suspicious signs and symptoms of oral cancer? (8)
1: Painless lump (lip, mouth, throat)
2: unexplained bleeding or numbness
3: red or white patches
4: painless ulcers that fail to heal
5: sore throat
6: difficulty chewing/ swallowing
7: hoarseness
8: swelling of the jaw
Risk factors/ causes (aetiology) of oral cancer? (8)
1: Smoking
2: Alcohol consumption
3: Chewing tobacco
4: Chewing areca nut/ paan (carcinogens)
5: HPV
6: UV exposure
7: Diet
8: Genetics
Advice to prevent oral cancer (5)
1: stop smoking/ using tobacco products
2: reduce/ stop alcohol consumption
3: avoid prolonged UV exposure and use sun cream on lips
4: eat a balanced diet
5: regular dental examinations for early detection
What are common treatments for oral cancer?
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy (rarely)
What are the risks of smoking on oral health? 9
-Periodontal disease
-Poor wound healing
-Increased risk of dry socket
-ANUG (Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis)
-Reduced sense of taste and smell
-Stained teeth
-Halitosis
-Dry mouth (xerostomia)
-Oral cancer
What are the risks of smoking on general health?
Coronary artery disease
Respiratory diseases
Other cancers
Miscarriage (in pregnancy)
Low birth weight (in pregnancy)
Lower IQ (in pregnancy)
Passive smoking risks for children: cot death, respiratory infections, asthma, reduced height
What is the NHS advice for alcohol consumption for men and women?
Drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over several days.
How much alcohol is equivalent to 14 units?
6 pints of average-strength beer
10 small glasses of lower-strength wine
What are some health risks caused by alcohol?
Cancer
Heart disease
Stroke
Liver damage
Mental health issues
Accidents and injuries
What are some post-treatment complications for mouth cancer patients?
Breathing, swallowing, drinking, and eating difficulties
Possible speech loss
Facial disfigurement
Nutritional deficiency and depression
Communication difficulties
Low self-esteem, social isolation, and relationship impacts
Why should general dental practitioners screen for mouth cancer at every examination appointment?
Tumours can spread rapidly, and undetected abnormalities may lead to serious progression by the time of the next appointment. Early detection can save lives.
What is Stage 1 mouth cancer?
A tumour less than 2 cm in diameter
No evidence of spread to lymph nodes or remote organs
94% 5-year survival rate if detected at this stage
What is the 5-year survival rate at Stage 3 mouth cancer?
27%, due to lymph gland involvement and metastases.
What is the 5-year survival rate at Stage 4 mouth cancer?
Only 5%, as the cancer has likely spread to other parts of the body.
How can chemotherapy affect the patient’s oral health?
Patients may experience bleeding, especially in the gingival tissues, and should maintain their oral hygiene regimen to prevent infections that could worsen bleeding.
What are the symptoms of Stage 2 oral cancer?
Same as stage 1 +
A tumour larger than 2 cm but still confined to the original site
Swelling or a lump in the mouth or throat
Survival rate: About 65% for 5-year survival.
What are the symptoms of Stage 3 oral cancer?
Tumour may have spread to nearby lymph nodes
Lumps or swelling in the neck or jaw area
Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
Unexplained pain or numbness in the mouth or face
Persistent bleeding or discharge from the mouth
Hoarseness or voice changes
Significant weight loss
The 5-year survival rate drops to about 27%.
