What is Floor of the mouth Cancer ?
Mouth cancer begins on the tissue below your tongue.
Cancer of the floor of the mouth most often begins in the thin, flat cells that line the inside of your mouth (squamous cells). Changes in the appearance or feel of tissue on the floor of your mouth such as a lump or sore that doesn't heal may be the first signs of cancer.
Cancer treatments for the floor of the mouth may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Explanation of medical terms and concept Floor of the mouth cancer
Oral cancer starts in the mucus-producing tissue that lines the mouth including lips cheeks and gums As with all cancers of this type it begins when cells grow out of control into a malignant tumor The most common form is squamous cell carcinoma followed by adenocarcinoma and lymphomas originating from lymph nodes in the neckLace common types include melanoma and basal cell carcinoma which occurs less often than other forms of skin cancers but is more likely to spread to other parts of the body Cancer that begins at or below the base of teeth also falls into this category as does.
Floor of mouth cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that begins once the cells that compose the ground of the mouth (the horseshoe-shaped space underneath the tongue) grow out of management and kindle lesions or tumors. These cancers are typically mistaken for canker sores.
victimization of tobacco products, notably mastication tobacco, and frequently drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can increase your possibilities of developing cancer within the floor of your mouth. Dentists are typically the primary to note signs of floor of mouth cancer, often throughout a routine exam.
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The foremost common symptom of floor of mouth cancer could be a sore in your mouth that keeps growing larger. alternative signs of cancer within the floor of the mouth include:
white, red, or dark patches in the mouth
mouth pain
a lump in your neck
If you have any of these symptoms, chances are you don’t have cancer, but it’s a good idea to see your doctor if the symptoms don’t go away.
Symptoms Floor of the mouth cancer
Some signs and symptoms of mouth cancer may include:
Mouth pain
Sores in your mouth that won't heal
Loose teeth
Pain when you swallow
Weight loss
Ear pain
Swelling in your neck that may hurt
You have white patches in your mouth that won't go away.
When to see a doctor
If there are any signs or symptoms that you remain concerned about, talk to your doctor or dentist.
Causes Floor of the mouth cancer
Cancer of the mouth forms when a genetic mutation turns healthy cells into abnormal cells. Normal cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass. Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can grow out of control, spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body.
Risk factors Floor of the mouth cancer
Things that may increase the risk of cancer in the mouth include: -Smoking -Having a diet high in sugar and processed foods -Being exposed to secondhand smoke
Using tobacco
Drinking alcohol
HPV is a virus that can cause cancer in people.
Taking medications that suppress your immune system can make you more susceptible to infections.
If you use tobacco and drink alcohol, the risk of health problems is even greater.
Prevention
There are ways to reduce your risk of floor of the mouth cancer, including:
Don't use tobacco.If you don't use tobacco, don't start. If you currently use tobacco in any way, talk to your doctor about ways to help you quit.
Limit alcohol if you choose to drink.If you choose to drink alcohol, drink it in moderation. For healthy adults this means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
Get regular dental care.Your dentist will check your mouth for signs of cancer and precancerous changes during your appointment.
Consider the HPV vaccine.A vaccine to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers, such as mouth cancer. Ask your doctor if a HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
Diagnosis Floor of the mouth cancer
Tests and procedures used to diagnose mouth cancer may include: -Taking a sample of the floor of the mouth for examination -Making an X ray of the mouth
Thorough physical examination.Before starting the decoupage process, a physical exam and medical history discussion will be done.
To test tissue for a disease, a sample must be taken.Your doctor may remove a sample of suspicious cells from your mouth using a scalpel. Then the doctor sends the sample to a laboratory where experts analyze the cells to determine whether they are cancerous.
Imaging tests.Tests to assess the extent and possible spread of cancer may include a CT scan (a type of MRI) and a PET scan. Which tests you undergo will depend on your individual situation.
This passage discusses nutrition and swallowing evaluations.Some people may need to see specialists in nutrition and swallowing to determine the best next steps.
Treatment Floor of the mouth cancer
Cancer treatments for the floor of the mouth may include:
Surgery.The type of surgery used to treat floor of the mouth cancer depends on the size, location, and depth of the tumor. If the tumor has spread beyond nearby lymph nodes, surgery may also include removing them.
Radiation therapy.Radiation therapy uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. This may be done either alone to treat small areas of the mouth or after surgery to remove any cancer cells that might remain.
Chemotherapy.Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. For people with floor of the mouth cancer, chemotherapy can often be used after surgery to get rid of any cancer cells that may remain. Sometimes chemotherapy is combined with radiation therapy.
Photodynamic therapy. Your doctor will give you a medication that makes cancer cells more vulnerable to high-intensity light. After the medication has been absorbed by the target tissue, your doctor will expose the cancer cells to a specific wavelength and energy of light that destroys them. The drug will kill the cancerous or precancerous cells.
Reconstructive surgery.Some people who have cancer might need reconstructive surgery to restore their mouth function.
Rehabilitation.Speech therapists, physical therapists, dieticians, and occupational therapists help with rehabilitation after surgery or radiation therapy. They may also be necessary after an injury.
Palliative care.Palliative care is specialized medical care that helps to relieve pain and other symptoms of a serious illness. Specialists who provide palliative care work with your family and other doctors to provide extra support that goes along with your ongoing treatment.
Coping and support
When you get a cancer diagnosis, it can be overwhelming and frightening. You can help yourself feel more in control by taking an active role in your health care. To help you cope, try to do the following:
Be familiar with cancer so you can make informed decisions about your care.Talk to your doctor about your cancer, including the extent of the cancer, your treatment options, and your prognosis.The more you learn about cancer, the more confident you will feel about making treatment decisions.
Keep friends and family close.Keeping strong relationships will help you deal with your cancer. Friends and family can provide practical support such as taking care of your home if you're in the hospital. They can also be a source of emotional support when you feel overwhelmed by cancer.
Find someone to talk with.Find someone to talk to about your worries. This could be a friend, family member, counselor, medical social worker, clergy member, or cancer support group. These people can provide understanding and support.
Talk to your doctor about support groups in your area or contact cancer organizations such as the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society.
Preparing for an appointment
If you are having any worrisome signs or symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor or dentist.
If your doctor or dentist thinks you may have cancer in your mouth, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in diseases of the face, teeth, jaw, salivary glands, and neck (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) or to a doctor who specializes in diseases that affect the ears, nose, and throat (ENT specialist). A doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat (commonly called an An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in ear, nose, and throat health.
It is a good idea to be prepared for your appointments, as they can be brief and there is often a lot of ground to cover. Here are some tips to help you.
What you can do
Please be aware of any restrictions that may apply before your appointment.Please be sure to mention any dietary restrictions when scheduling your appointment.
Write down any symptoms you are experiencing.Make sure to bring any materials that may seem related to the appointment, but not necessarily the reason for which you scheduled it.
Write down key personal information,A leaf's condition might be affected by major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications,What vitamins or supplements are you taking?
Take a family member or friend along.If you forget something during an appointment, someone accompanying you may remember it for you.
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
In order to make the most of your time with your doctor, make a list of questions that you consider to be the most important. From there, rank them in order of importance in case time runs out. For example, questions about floor of the mouth cancer might include:
What is the stage of my cancer?
What other tests do I need?
What are my treatment options?
What is the best way to treat my specific cancer?
What are the potential side effects for each treatment?
Should I consult a second opinion? Can you provide me with the names of specialists who you think I should see?
Am I eligible for clinical trials?
Can I take printed material with me? Where can I find websites that are helpful?
What will determine whether I should make a follow-up visit?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you a number of questions. If you are prepared to answer them, this may allow time later to address any points that you want to address. Your doctor may ask:
When did you first notice the symptoms?
Is this a problem that has been happening occasionally or continuously?
How severe are your symptoms?
What can you do to feel better?
What if anything seems to worsen your symptoms? If you experience any worsening of symptoms, please let me know.
General summary
The final stage of mouth cancer is the fourth stage which is when the cancer has spread to other areas in the body This can happen in several ways including through a blood clot or tumor cells that detach and move to another location in the body.
Where does mouth cancer spread too?
Mouth cancer (also called oral cavity or mouth cancer) starts in the tissues of the mouth Tissues are groups of cells that have a specific purpose in the body The oral cavity includes your lips cheeks soft palate under your tongue gums and roof of your mouth Cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body These areas include: Your nether (inner) lip or lining inside your cheek The root tip section of your tongue (the back part where it meets your throat) Underneath the bone at the base of your skull in front of.
How quickly does oral squamous cell carcinoma grow?
One of the more common forms of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma develops in cells called keratinocytes that make up the outermost layer of skin and cover organs like mouth lips and tongue As squamous cell cancer grows in these areas it can form warty or lumpy bumps or a mass It may also cause pain from growing into the bone.
How fast does squamous cell carcinoma spread?
Squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells which are flat-surfaced cells that make up most of the outer layer of the skin It can occur anywhere on the body and when on the head or neck it is known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or CSCC Squamous cell carcinomas have been classified into two main subtypes: non-melanoma and melanoma About 90 percent of all cases are non-melanoma cancers which don't metastasize (spread) quickly.
How do I know if squamous cell carcinoma has spread?
If your squamous cell carcinoma has spread you may experience persistent symptoms and/or new signs throughout the body Squamous cell cancer can metastasize to nearby lymph nodes You may find that a lump develops in one or both sides of the neck just below your jaw line The lymph nodes are small glands embedded in a fat pad and serve as filters to remove bacteria from the bloodstream before it enters your body's circulatory system Additionally there is an increased risk of developing distant metastases (metastasis) to the lung liver bones and brain if left untreated.