Oral cavity cancer – Causes and symptoms
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Cancer that develops in any part of the mouth is referred to as oral cavity cancer.
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Causes of oral cancer
Risk factors of oral cancer involve smoking, alcohol consumption and chewing betel nut and tobacco.Apart from these, consumption of smoked food, being a man, sharp teeth, ill-fitting dentures and certain viral infections also make people more prone to oral cavity cancer.
Symptoms of oral cancer
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Patients usually present with chronic non-healing ulcers. Normal ulcers generally heal within a week. But if the ulcer persists for a long period it might be a symptom of oral cancer and you will have to get it checked out by an oncology specialist.
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Patients also present with nodes in their necks. If you notice any swelling in the neck then it is better to get it checked out.
Other than these, white patches or red patches in the mouth are also pre-malignant signs of oral cancer.