Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Causes

What is Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer?

Oral and Lip cancers are really squamous cell carcinomas that develop in the surface lining of the lip and mouth. The oral cavity includes the inside lining of cheeks, the teeth, the gums, the floor of the mouth, the roof of the mouth, and the area behind the wisdom teeth. It is usually diagnosed in people who are over 45 years of age. They are caused by environmental factors that can trigger cell damage which then leads to the development of cancerous tumors which can spread throughout the oral cavity and to other areas. This type of cancer is extremely rare.

In its early stages, this cancer is curable. If the cancer has spread to other areas of the body outside of the head or neck, the prognosis changes and becomes bleak. The most common place for these oral cavity cancers to appear is on the tongue and on the lips. It is estimated that there will be more than 30,000 new cases of oral cavity cancer in 2006, two-thirds of which will be men, with an estimated 7,500 deaths resulting from the disease.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of this disease are soreness in the throat, difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking, chronic sore throat, a lump in the neck and often unexplained weight loss.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Most of the cancers which affect the oral cavity develop from the squamous cells located in this area. They usually develop from a pre cancerous condition in which a group of abnormal cells begin to collect to eventually turn malignant over time. This first stage where malignant cells remain in the lining of the oral cavity is called carcinoma in situ. From here the cancer can spread to deeper layers and become more dangerous and more difficult to treat.

Possible Causes

Like most cancers, the direct cause of cancer is unknown. There are, however, many studies which indicate that tobacco and alcohol play a significant role in the appearance of oral cavity cancer. Alcohol contains properties that facilitate DNA damage caused by other chemicals, including those present in tobacco smoke. 90 percent of the people diagnosed with oral cavity cancer use tobacco products. 80 percent are alcohol users.

Exposure to ultraviolet light is also associated with oral cavity cancer. Poor nutrition, extended periods of irritation to the inner lining of the mouth is also a potential risk factor, like that which is caused by poorly fitted dentures. The human papillomavirus has also been reported as a possible contributor.