Understanding Oral Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Outlook

Lingual cancer, a type of cancer that affects the larynx, or voice box, is a critical health issue that warrants our attention. In this blog post, we'll delve into what lingual cancer is, its symptoms, when you should see a doctor, its causes and risk factors, available treatments, and the overall outlook for those diagnosed with this condition. The larynx plays a vital role in breathing and speaking, and in the UK, there are over 2,000 cases of lingual cancer each year. While it may not be exceedingly common, early detection can significantly improve outcomes.

First, let's discuss the symptoms of lingual cancer. The primary symptom to watch out for is a hoarse voice lasting more than three weeks. Other symptoms include a change in your voice that doesn’t improve after 2 to 3 weeks, pain or difficulty when swallowing, a persistent cough, a lump or swelling in the neck that doesn’t go away, breathlessness, a persistent sore throat or earache, a high-pitched wheezing sound when you breathe, and in severe cases, significant difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms may include bad breath that doesn’t go away, unexplained weight loss, and extreme tiredness over several months.

It's essential to remember that experiencing any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have lingual cancer. Many of these symptoms can be attributed to other common conditions. For example, a hoarse voice is often caused by laryngitis, a non-cancerous inflammation of the voice box following a flu or overuse. However, if you do have any of these symptoms, it's crucial to see your doctor for a proper assessment.

So, what causes lingual cancer? While the exact cause is not entirely clear, certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing the condition. Smoking tobacco and regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol are two primary risk factors. If you do both, your risk increases significantly. Other risk factors include having a family member with laryngeal cancer, an unhealthy diet low in fruits and vegetables, and exposure to certain chemicals and substances like asbestos and coal dust. Additionally, exposure to the HPV virus, which can be transmitted through sex, may increase your risk, though more research is needed in this area.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding alcohol and tobacco, can significantly reduce your chances of developing lingual cancer.

When it comes to treatment, the main options for lingual cancer are radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted cancer medicines. Often, a combination of these treatments is used. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors, targeting a specific area of the body. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing and can be administered through pills, injections, or infusions over a series of treatments.

The good news is that radiotherapy or surgery to remove cancerous cells from the larynx can often cure lingual cancer if diagnosed early. In advanced cases, a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy may be required. It's important to note that if surgery involves removing the larynx, you will no longer be able to speak or breathe in the normal way. Instead, you will breathe through a permanent hole in the neck called a stoma, and you may need additional treatment and speech therapy to help you communicate. This may include a valve placed in your throat or an electrical device held against the throat to produce sound.

For more detailed information, I've included some useful resources from trusted sources in the description box of the video.

Finally, let's talk about the outlook for lingual cancer. The prognosis depends on the extent of the cancer at the time of diagnosis and treatment. Fortunately, most lingual cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, which generally means a better outlook compared to some other types of cancer. Overall, about 65 out of every 100 people diagnosed with lingual cancer will live for five years or more, and about 55 out of every 100 will live for ten years or more. If you smoke, quitting after being diagnosed with lingual cancer may also improve your outlook.

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