Oral cancer most commonly occurs at what age?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

Early signs of oral cancer include persistent ulcers, pain, and abnormal growths, often with symptoms not very obvious initially, which many may overlook. Severe cases can manifest as difficulty in swallowing, a burning sensation in the mouth, and symptoms like lumps and nodules, which can lead to other complications. Oral cancer can occur in any group but is predominantly seen in adults, especially in those over the age of 40. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention in clinical settings. If there are discomforts in the mouth, persistent ulcers, particularly in individuals over 40, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
1min 6sec home-news-image

How to determine if it is oral cancer?

To determine if it is oral cancer, one can visit the dentistry department of a formal hospital for an oral examination and a local pathological biopsy. If cancer cells are found, it can be diagnosed as oral cancer. Additionally, CT scans and MRI can be performed to determine the location and size of the lesion. The onset of oral cancer generally starts with oral ulcers. If an oral ulcer persists and does not heal for more than two weeks, and the affected area shows cauliflower-like protrusions, hardening at the base, palpable lymph nodes, pain or exacerbation, and it affects eating and speech causing some obstacles or changes, early surgical treatment should be sought after the detection of oral cancer. Immediate radical surgery should be undertaken. If surgery is not possible, treatment through radiation or chemotherapy to reduce the tumor size before proceeding with surgical excision is recommended.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
43sec home-news-image

Where does oral cancer commonly metastasize to?

Oral cancer poses a significant threat to human health, thus early detection and treatment are crucial for effective outcomes. In addition to chronic, non-healing ulcers, early signs of oral cancer include abnormal growths, pain, bleeding, and relatively early metastasis. It can infiltrate nearby muscles involved in chewing and biting, the throat affecting swallowing and speech functions, and also spread to cervical lymph nodes, causing enlargement of these nodes. Therefore, besides the symptoms in the mouth, attention must also be given to adjacent organ tissues, especially the condition of the cervical lymph nodes, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for effective results.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
30sec home-news-image

Can oral cancer be detected with an ultrasound?

If a patient has oral cancer, it can generally be detected by an ultrasound. Patients with oral cancer are prone to oral ulcers and may experience pain. In severe cases, it can affect normal life and work. Patients should go to a regular hospital for a detailed examination and choose the appropriate treatment method under the guidance of a doctor. In daily life, it is advisable to drink more plain water to reduce inflammation in the mouth and achieve a quicker recovery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
52sec home-news-image

What are the early symptoms of oral cancer?

Clinically, oral cancer encompasses a wide range of conditions. Early symptoms in patients include the following aspects: many patients experience recurring, hard-to-heal ulcers on the tongue, some manifest ulcerative lesions on the lips, or small nodular lesions which generally do not show obvious symptoms initially. Some patients show symptoms of infection or pain, while others may experience recurring bleeding of the gums, loosening of the teeth, or discomfort in the throat during swallowing. The early symptoms in patients are not typical, leading many to not seek medical consultation early on. It is usually not until they experience severe difficulty in opening the mouth or swallowing, or when the patients have difficulty speaking, that they will seek medical attention.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
1min home-news-image

How should cervical lymph node metastasis of oral cancer be treated?

Patients with lymph nodes, if they experience short-term lymph node enlargement. It could potentially be a symptom of metastatic cancer of the lymph nodes, typically manifested in cancers of the nose, pharynx, lung, and esophagus. If the condition is severe, it may cause pain. If the disease spreads to the ear, a comprehensive examination of the patient is still necessary to find the root of the disease. Once the patient's disease begins to metastasize, it indicates that the cancer has reached an advanced stage, and it is recommended that the patient undergo comprehensive treatment with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If it is non-small cell lung cancer, targeted drug therapy is recommended, but it is generally advised to perform a targeted drug test in advance. If the mutation allows, it is permissible to take the medication; if there is no mutation, it is better not to use it.