Mouth Cancer in Panama
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor within the oral cavity with a frequency of 90%.
Early detection is key to surviving mouth cancer
The earlier oral cancer is detected, the more successful treatment options are available and the more likely it is that the cancer will be completely eliminated. Our oncologists have an in-depth knowledge of this disease, including its diagnosis, staging and the most up-to-date treatment options, allowing them to offer a specialized, evidence-based approach to care.
About 75% of people who develop mouth cancer have one or more risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, and oral HPV infections.
Survival rates are as high as 80-90% when the cancer is detected in stages I and II.
Diagnosis and Staging
Regular screening can detect oral cancer in its early stages, when the risk of metastasis or spread of the cancer to other parts of the body is lower.
General Welfare
Having the right psychological support helps people to cope better with this disease; therefore, at Panama Cancer Clinic we include the oncological psychology service.
The Specialist
Each patient is unique and therefore requires a personalized treatment approach. Our oncologists evaluate the specific characteristics of the cancer, its location and stage, to determine the ideal treatment plan.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can form in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, palate and base of the mouth.
This type of cancer develops when cells in the lips or mouth undergo mutations and grow abnormally. Mouth cancer usually begins in squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells that line the lips and the inside of the mouth.
Types of mouth cancer
Statistics indicate that 9 out of 10 cases of mouth cancer are squamous cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma
It begins in the vocal cords and other structures of the larynx such as cartilage. It accounts for about 33% of throat cancer cases.
Oropharyngeal cancer
It is the main type of oral cancer and is characterized by changes in the thin, flat cells that line the mouth. Oral squamous cell carcinoma can affect the lips, gums, cheek lining, palate and tongue.
Other less frequent types of oral cancer are:
Salivary gland cancer
This type of cancer develops in the salivary glands (glands that produce saliva in the mouth). It can damage the major salivary glands, parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands.
Oral melanoma
Oral melanoma originates in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Although less common than other types of mouth cancer, oral melanoma can manifest as a dark spot or pigmented lesion in the mouth.
Oral lymphoma
Oral lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic tissues of the mouth and can develop in the lymph nodes of the mouth or in the surrounding lymphatic tissues.
Symptoms of mouth cancer
Non-healing mouth ulcers or sores.
White or red spots on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.
Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing.
Swelling in the jaw or neck.
Voice changes or slurred speech.
Unexplained weight loss.
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Risk Factors
Risk factors related to mouth cancer or oral cancer are:
Weakened immune system:
People whose immune system is weakened have an increased risk of developing oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Tobacco use:
The use of any type of tobacco, whether cigarettes, cigars, pipes or chewing tobacco, increases the risk of oral cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV):
Infection with certain types of HPV, such as HPV type 16, can increase the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Sun exposure:
Excessive sun exposure, especially on the lips, increases the risk of mouth and lip cancer.
Screening tests
Screening tests for mouth cancer include:
Dye screening test:
The patient is given a mouthwash with a special blue dye to initiate the test; subsequently, the malignant cells located in the mouth will absorb the dye and show a characteristic blue hue.
Light detection tests:
The inside of the patient's mouth is observed with a special light device during the test. This light makes the healthy tissue appear dark and the abnormal tissue takes on a striking white hue.
If signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions are found during these screening tests, the following actions may be recommended:
A follow-up consultation to assess whether the abnormal area is still present and whether it has grown or changed over time.
A biopsy to remove a sample of cells and perform laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Treatments for mouth cancer
Taking into consideration the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's personal preferences, treatments for mouth cancer may include options as varied as:
Surgery
Surgery is one of the preferred treatments for mouth cancer; this can involve anything from removal of the tumor to removal of the affected surrounding tissue or nearby lymph nodes.
Radiotherapy
Using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, radiation therapy can be administered before or after surgery, or as the primary treatment in cases where surgery is not an option.
Chemotherapy
Specific chemotherapy drugs are administered that are focused on destroying cancer cells in the body. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, or in combination with radiation therapy.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is another pharmacological option where drugs are used to directly attack cancer cells, blocking their growth and spread. It is mostly used in combination with other treatments.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy seeks to stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer cells on its own. This approach is used in advanced cases of mouth cancer.
How to Prevent Mouth Cancer?
To prevent or minimize the risk of mouth cancer, it is recommended:
Smoking cessation and avoidance of tobacco use in all its forms.
Reduce alcohol intake.
Use lip sunscreen with an adequate sun protection factor and protect the lips with hats or clothing that covers the mouth when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Maintain good oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for dental examinations and cleanings.
Getting vaccinated against HPV. Human papillomavirus is linked to mouth cancer; getting vaccinated against HPV can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of developing HPV-related mouth cancer.
