Abstract:
Mouth cancer has the same meaning as oral cancer - it is cancer that
occurs in any part of the mouth; on the tongue's surface, in the lips,
inside the cheek, in the gums, in the roof and floor of the mouth, in the
tonsils, and also the salivary glands. Mouth cancer is an important
global healthcare problem. There are more than 3000 cases of mouth
cancer reported on in India every year. These cancers are more
common in men than in Women. However this is changing the
incidence rate of cancer of the mouth in women has significantly at a
rate of 3% per year since 1994. It mainly affects older people although
younger people are being diagnosed now. Early detection of mouth
cancer greatly improves the chances of survival. The effect of cancer
on speech and swallowing depend on the location and size of the
growth. E.g. a sore or lumb on the lips may limit movement. It may
also limit the ability to move food around the mouth or push food back
towards the throat during swallowing. The outcomes after surgery
depend on the location and size of the cancerous growth. Other
important factor includes the amount of tissues removed in surgery, the
frequency of speech and swallowing treatment and the motivation of
the patient.
