Oral Cancer

Oral cancer surgery can affect the taste and texture of food in the mouth. It may make food taste metallic, like metal or blood, or not like anything. Sometimes, the tongue is removed completely, and there is no sensation for over two months.

It is a partial myth that the taste sensations are only on the tongue. Research shows that the tongue contains the majority of the taste buds. However, around 10 percent of taste buds are also located along the mouth. In cases of injury or damage to the tongue, these other taste buds become active. This may provide a more realistic taste.

Food may taste different, especially bitter, sweet, and salty foods. Some foods may taste bland, and some may feel the same. You may taste metallic or chemical, especially after eating meat or other protein foods. Understand all the Causes Of Tooth Cancer in advance to avoid repercussions later.

Different people experience different levels of difficulties after surgery. Sometimes, your mouth may be numbed, or you may not be able to taste food. Other times, you may experience difficulty swallowing. It can take a few weeks to a few months for the taste and feel of food to return completely to normal.

The most important thing is to start slowly and not expect too much too soon. You must also continue making healthy food choices during this period. Ensure you get enough protein and other nutritional foods to maintain your weight and health while recovering.

One of the most important things to do after a diagnosis of oral cancer is to remove and replace, i.e., get your teeth back. Your teeth are vital to your life; you need them to eat, speak, and smile. Cancer treatments can destroy the bone in your jaws, leading to tooth loss. One of the most common questions patients have about oral cancer is, “Can I get my teeth back?”

The Oral specialist will take an impression for a full or partial denture and make a temporary dental bridge until your new teeth are ready. You may also need a prosthetic tooth or an implant if you’ve lost one or more teeth due to oral cancer. Implants may be the best option for those who want their natural-looking smile back as soon as possible. Implants provide a permanent solution that allows you to have all the natural-looking teeth you deserve without worrying about them falling out during treatment!

You may not realize it, but there is a chance that you could be ignoring the Dental Cancer Symptoms. The mouth has one of the highest rates of cancer among all cancers. Protecting yourself from oral cancer includes practicing good mouth hygiene and regular check-ups.

• Smoking, Alcohol or Tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars) increases your risk of developing oral cancer to more than 90%.
• A personal or family history of mouth or throat cancer.
• A diet low in fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of mouth cancer due to lack of vitamins and minerals.
• Human papilloma virus may infect the skin and the cells lining body cavities. The virus can cause changes in the mouth and throat making them more likely to become cancerous in the future.
• Research shows a slight increase in risk of mouth cancer; due to a similar diagnosis in a close relative (parent, sibling, or child).
• Changes can happen in the cells in the lining of the mouth where the patches appear red or white.

There are various Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer and Jaw Cancer that vary by stages. For example, in the early stages, you may feel no symptoms or begin to feel some pain. Some jaw cancer symptoms you may experience include:

• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Painful mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Red or white patches in the mouth that persist for weeks
• Bleeding from the mouth that is recurrent
• Halitosis, or bad breath
• Swelling causing difficulty swallowing
• Numbness in the mouth or tongue
• Jaw or ear pain
• Difficulty speaking
• Dentures that don’t fit any longer
• Damage to bones, such as loose teeth

If you’re experiencing jaw cancer symptoms, your Oral Specialist may complete a full physical examination, including checking for lumps in your neck, mouth and cheeks, and gather your personal and family medical history. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are linked to an increased risk of other types of head and neck cancers, so the doctor may also examine the larynx, behind your nose and the lymph nodes on the back of your neck.

If cancer is suspected, your doctor will likely refer you to an expert such as an ENT (ear, nose and throat doctor) or an otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon) who will perform a complete head and neck exam in addition to one or more of the following tests.

1. Biopsy: A small piece of tissue from an area of suspicion in the mouth or neck may be removed with an incisional or punch biopsy. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of nearby lymph nodes may be performed if warranted. These samples will be examined under a microscope to detect cancer.
2. Pan-endoscopy: Endoscopes are used to ensure there are no other related cancers.
3. Imaging tests may also be performed to diagnose and stage the cancer. These may include:
   • X-rays to provide images of the neck, mouth and jaw
   • Computed tomography (CT) scan for cross-sectional images to help determine the size and location of a tumour and whether it has spread.
   • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detailed images of the body’s soft tissues to help determine whether cancer has spread to other tissues or reached the bone marrow.