Cancer of the Oral Mucosa

Cancer of the oral mucosa: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Oral mucosal cancer is a malignant tumor that can occur in different parts of the mouth, including the tongue, cheek, floor of the mouth, palate, and anterior palatine arches. The most common histological variant of a malignant tumor is keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Tumors in this area are more common in men.

Preneoplastic processes, such as Bowen's disease, verrucous leukoplakia, papillomatosis and the consequences of lupus erythematosus, can lead to the development of cancer of the oral mucosa.

Clinical manifestations of oral mucosal cancer may include painless nodules, superficial erosions and fissures that gradually enlarge. Then there is pain radiating to the ear, salivation, bleeding and bad breath. Cancer of the mucous membrane of the posterior half of the oral cavity is more malignant and quickly infiltrates neighboring organs and tissues. Tumors can have an exophytic or endophytic form.

Various methods are used to diagnose oral mucosal cancer, including visual examination, biopsy, and educational methods such as radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment of cancer of the oral mucosa is divided into two stages: targeting the primary tumor and treating regional metastases. Combined treatment. First, preoperative gamma therapy is performed, followed by removal of the primary tumor by facial-sheath excision of the fatty tissue of the neck. In generalized forms of the disease, it is possible to use chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, fluorouracil, methotrexate and bleomycin.

Cancer of the oral mucosa widely metastasizes to the superficial and deep lymph nodes of the neck, so it is important to seek medical help at the first signs of the disease. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can improve the chances of a full recovery and prevent the disease from spreading.