WHAT DOES ORAL CANCER LOOK LIKE?

Today we will discuss the very important issue of oral precancerous lesions. What symptoms should make you see a doctor and who is at risk? Liana Vatina, an oncologist at the department of head and neck diseases of the A. Tsyb MRRC – the branch of the National Medical Research Oncological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

“In the group of high and very high risk are patients whose bad habits are smoking and systematic use of alcohol. Such diseases as HPV type 16, HIV infection, Epstein-Barr virus have a significant impact on the oral health of patients,” says Liana Nodarievna.

It is also necessary to pay attention to factors that may contribute to the development of both precancerous and cancerous diseases. Prolonged traumatisation of the mucosa due to a ‘wrong’ bite (incorrect position of teeth or dentures) and chronic candidiasis often lead to unfortunate consequences if the oral cavity is not treated in time.

So, what the symptoms should you look out for?

“Chronic ulcers; bleeding masses; areas of whitish-coloured mucosa (often accompanied by itching) and masses that rise above the mucosa (papillomas). These symptoms can signal diseases such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, Bowen’s disease and papillomatosis. If any of these symptoms are present, you should see an otolaryngologist oncologist immediately. If necessary, he will perform a biopsy and give an opinion on the nature of the mass, whether it is benign or malignant,” says Liana Nodarjevna.

After the biopsy, there are several options for the development of events: normal, hyperplasia (increase in the number of benign cells and their growth in the oral cavity), dysplasia (pre-cancer) and cancerous neoplasm. In all cases, the doctor will prescribe competent treatment.

In the polyclinic of the A.Tsyb MRRC, doctors of oncology-otolaryngologists who will help to sort out the problem. If you have any complaints, discomfort and painful sensations, please contact specialists! You can make an appointment via phone: +7 (800) 250-87-00, +7 (495) 150-11-22.