What are the risk factors for oral cancer? What are the early symptoms?

Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the soft palate, palatine tonsils, tongue root, epiglottis, and pharyngeal wall. Most oral cancers are caused by mutations in the oral epithelial cell mucosa and are squamous cell carcinomas. So what factors are related to the occurrence of oral cancer? What are the early symptoms of oral cancer?

There are five main causes of oral cancer:

(1) Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A plays a role in maintaining the normal structure and function of the epithelium. Deficiency can cause thickening and hyperkeratosis of the oral mucosal epithelium, which is related to the occurrence of oral cancer.

(2) Poor oral hygiene: This creates conditions for bacteria or fungi to grow and multiply in the oral cavity, which is conducive to the formation of nitrosamines and their precursors. Stomatitis causes some cells to proliferate, making them more sensitive to carcinogens and possibly promoting the occurrence of oral cancer.

(3) Addicted to smoking and drinking. Most oral cancer patients have a long history of smoking and drinking. Alcohol may act as a solvent for carcinogens, promoting the entry of carcinogens into the oral mucosa.

(4) Long-term stimulation from foreign bodies, such as the remaining roots and sharp tooth tips of partially fallen teeth in the elderly.

(5) Oral mucosal diseases, such as precancerous lesions such as leukoplakia or erythema. In addition, oral cancer is also related to factors such as age and poor-quality dentures.

What are the early symptoms of oral cancer?

Oral ulcers are a very common phenomenon, and there are many inducing factors. They are also easy to treat. Even if no treatment is given, oral ulcers will heal slowly after a period of time. However, if you find that you often have oral ulcers, and they recur, and they last for 2 to 3 weeks without healing, then you should be alert, as it may be a sign of oral cancer.

Many people have had the experience of lumps appearing on the inner wall of the mouth. When we were in the cave, we accidentally bit our mouths, and then the bitten place would crack. Especially when eating, it would touch the wound, which was very painful. It was because during the movement of the teeth, the oral mucosa was bitten and caused inflammation. The wound did not recover for a long time, and there was swelling and lumps. At this time, you should pay attention, it may be the occurrence of oral cancer.

Limited mouth opening and pain. Under normal circumstances, we can open our mouths completely, but of course when there is a disease in the mandibular joint, the range of mouth opening may be limited. Excluding these external possibilities, oral cancer can also cause limited mouth opening. Because cancer damages the oral muscles, it is difficult to open the mouth and the mouth hurts when opening the mouth, so it should be checked in time to prevent yourself from suffering from oral cancer.

Frequent oral bleeding. Frequent oral bleeding is one of the symptoms of oral cancer. There is no inflammation or other problems, but the bleeding occurs inexplicably. If it is oral cancer, it is because the tumor has ruptured, causing blood vessels to bleed, and then bleeding will occur. At this time, you must pay attention, because bleeding is a dangerous sign of cancer, and you should check it in time.