Oral Cancer Treatment in Kolkata: Causes, Prevention & Care at IRIS Hospital

The oral cavity (mouth) consists of the lips, cheeks, tongue, hard and soft palate, gums, floor of the mouth, and the area behind wisdom teeth (retromolar trigone). This oral cavity helps in digestion, communication (speech, non-verbal cues like smiling), and respiration.

To keep these functions running, you need to pay attention to your oral health, especially when the cases of oral cancer are on the rise. The oral cancer surgeon at the best cancer hospital in Kolkata says tobacco and heavy alcohol use are the primary causes but are also significantly linked to HPV infection, poor diet, genetics, and weakened immune systems. Thankfully, mouth cancer, if caught early on, can be treated successfully.

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What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is also known as mouth cancer. It develops in any part of the mouth or throat, including the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, tonsils, and pharynx.

If left untreated, mouth cancer can spread throughout the mouth and throat to other areas of the head and neck. However, if caught early on, it can be treated successfully.

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What is the Cause of Mouth Cancer

It's not always clear what causes mouth cancer but it can happen when cells on the lips or in the mouth develop changes in their DNA. These cancerous cells might form a mass known as a tumor that can grow to invade and harm healthy body tissue.

Here are some risk factors:

1. Use of Tobacco (Smoking or Chewing)

Chemicals present in tobacco can damage the mouth cells' DNA directly. This can lead to mutations that may turn normal cells cancerous over time.

2. Excessive Consumption of Alcohol

Alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical that damages cell DNA. Over time, it makes oral cells more permeable to other carcinogens (like those present in tobacco), causing cell damage and unregulated growth.

Additionally, alcohol increases levels of hormones such as estrogen and insulin, which can support faster cell division.

3. Combined Use of Tobacco & Alcohol

The risk of mouth cancer is dramatically higher when alcohol is taken in combination with tobacco. Together, they weaken mouth defenses, allowing carcinogens to penetrate deeper and speed up the growth of cancerous cells.

4. HPV Infection (Particularly Type 16)

HPV-16 inserts its DNA into the mouth cells. This disrupts the normal cell growth regulators that trigger uncontrolled division.

5. Betel Nut or Paan Chewing

Betel nut (areca nut) chewing introduces carcinogens like nitrosamines in the mouth, which damage DNA. This is very common in high-risk areas like India.

6. Exposure to Excessive Sunlight

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from excessive sun exposure penetrates the delicate skin on the lips. This can damage cell DNA, leading to mutations and uncontrolled cell growth.

7. Diet Low in Fruits and Veggies

A poor diet lacks antioxidants that repair DNA damage due to many factors. This allows cancer-causing changes in the mouth.

8. Poor Health of the Immune System

Low immunity fails to destroy early damaged cells. This lets them multiply into unchecked tumors.

Other Contributing Factors of Oral Cancer

• Poor oral hygiene
• Age and gender (most cases occur after age 40, and men are at a higher risk)
• Genetics predisposition

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Prevention Tips

Oral cancer surgeon in Kolkata says there's no proven way to prevent mouth cancer. However, you may reduce your risk of mouth cancer by adopting the following healthy tips:

• Quit all the use of tobacco
• Limit alcohol consumption 
• Get the HPV vaccine
• Eat colorful fruits and vegetables
• Protect lips from excessive sun rays
• Follow good oral hygiene
• Visit the dentist regularly
• Avoid betel nut and paan

Best Oral Cancer Hospital Near Me | Iris Hospital, Kolkata, India

IRIS Multispeciality in Kolkata is known for its better oral cancer treatment outcomes. IRIS is backed by a multidisciplinary cancer team, known to deliver customized treatment plans based on individual factors.

Looking for oral cancer treatment in Kolkata, India? Schedule a call at +91 8929579509.

Our Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700047 Open: 24x7

FAQs

Q1: What is the survival rate for oral cancer?
A: The early diagnosis plays a vital role in improving a patient's prognosis, as early-stage cancers show a survival rate of over 90 %. But later it drops to 5–20 % stage III and IV disease.

Q2: How do you treat mouth cancer?
A: The treatment is decided by the oncology team based on the stage, severity of the conditions, and other individual factors. The treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, and medicines.

Q3: How to diagnose oral cancer?
A: The diagnosis can start with a physical exam of the mouth for suspicious lesions, followed by a biopsy for confirmation. Imaging, like CT/MRI, to assess the extent of spread.

Q4: What are the first signs of cancer in the mouth?
A:

• Sores that don't heal within 2 weeks
• White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Unexplained bleeding
• Voice changes like hoarseness