About Gum Cancer
Gum cancer is a disease that affects more men than women, and the incidences of this form of cancer are increasing in younger males who use snuff -- a moistened form of tobacco powder commonly placed between the gum's and cheek. Tens of thousands of new gum cancer diagnoses are reported every year, ranking gum cancer the sixth most common cancer.
Identification
Gum cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a disease that affects not only the gums but can also penetrate the upper and lower jaws, lips, tongue and the cheeks. These areas are all parts of the oral cavity that may be affected by a malignancy.
Considerations
If you find that you have a painful sore in your mouth that continues to reoccur and seems like it will not heal, you may want to consider speaking to your doctor. Also, bumps that are red or white in color and last for more than four weeks, as well as difficulty swallowing or chewing, may also be symptoms of gum cancer that are worth mentioning.
Expert Insight
The presence of oral cancer can be verified by a physician. If symptomatic, a patient is physically examined and an X-ray is usually ordered. In addition, a biopsy may be done. During a biopsy, the doctor removes a small area of tissue from the area in question, which is then checked for under a high-powered microscope. The patient feels no pain during the biopsy, which is performed under a local anesthetic.
Treatments
Gum cancer treatments vary depending on how the disease has spread and what areas of the oral cavity have been affected. Most often, surgery to remove the diseased tissue and cells is performed. If the disease has spread into the lymph nodes of the neck, they are often surgically removed as well. Radiation or chemotherapy is usually given after surgery to help kill any lone cancer cells that may have strayed into other areas of the body or were missed during surgery.
Prevention/Solution
Tobacco use is the leading cause of gum cancer. Cigarette smoking, pipe smoking, cigar smoking and snuff can all introduce dangerous carcinogens into the area of the oral cavity, creating unhealthy growths and tumors. Excessive alcohol abuse can also be a factor in the development of gum cancer.
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