Oral Cancer can occasionally happen in an elderly person, either because of some genetic predisposition,or a life time of questionable habits, and the disease can prove fatal for the sufferer

During the regular dental check ups which should be encouraged in the elderly, the dentist will examine for any precancerous conditions which may be observable in the persons mouth.

Precancerous Oral Conditions.

n  Leukoplakia. This is characterized by whitish patches developing in the mouth or the throat area at the back of the mouth.

n  Erythoplakia. Shows up as red raised patches in the mouth.

If  the dentist recognizes any if these two, as yet benign conditions, then he/she will ask for a biopsy to be carried out on these precancerous cells.

Common Causes of Oral Cancer. The main causes of oral cancer are associated with the use of tobacco products, either cigarettes, pipe smoking, or snuff, and the habitual use of alcohol.

Excessive exposure to strong ultra violet rays (sunshine) especially in the mouth area can be a cause of cancer also, along with cellular problems such as leukoplakia and erythplakia.

Some Signs of Oral Cancer.

Each individual person will be affected differently by the disease, and exhibit differing symptoms and signs, some of these signs are—

n  A continuing mouth sore which will not heal.

n  Lumps on the inner or outer lip.

n  White or red sores on the tongue or mouth lining.

n  Mouth bleeding or numbness.

n  Ear pain and a change in voice.

n  Swelling of the jaw.

n  Difficulty with swallowing, or a ‘catching’ in the throat.

If oral cancer has been diagnosed then the specific treatment recommended will depend on the elderly persons age, medical history and the extent of the disease, and the treatments may include

Surgery. Which will remove specific types of oral tumours.

Radiation Therapy. Which uses high energy localised rays. These rays damage the cancer cells and prevent further cells becoming affected, it may be administered eith internally with radioactive materials, or externally from a machine.

Chemotherapy. Involves medications which kill cancer cells, and may be used in conjunction with surgery and radiation therapy.

The chances of an elderly person suffering from this disease can be linked to family history, but on most occasions are linked to the prolonged use of tobacco and alcohol by the person.

Tags: , , ,