Floor Mouth Cancer

Overview

Floor of the mouth cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissue underneath the tongue. It most commonly begins in the squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells that line the inside of the mouth. The first signs of floor of the mouth cancer usually include changes in the appearance and feel of the tissue, such as the presence of a lump or sore that does not heal. Treatment options for floor of the mouth cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of floor of the mouth cancer may include: mouth pain, sores in your mouth that won't heal, loose teeth, pain when you swallow, weight loss, ear pain, swelling in your neck that may hurt, and white patches in your mouth that won't go away. If you experience any of these persistent symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor or dentist.

Risk Factors

The risk factors for developing floor of the mouth cancer include:

• Using tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Taking medications that suppress your immune system If you use tobacco and drink alcohol, the risk is even higher.

Development

Floor of the mouth cancer develops when a genetic mutation turns normal, healthy cells into abnormal cells. These abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control, forming a mass (tumor). The accumulating abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and may metastasize to other parts of the body.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you have persistent signs and symptoms such as a sore in your mouth that won't heal, loose teeth, mouth pain, swelling in your neck, or a white patch in your mouth that won't go away for more than two weeks, it's recommended to talk to your doctor or dentist. They will investigate other more common causes for your symptoms before considering the possibility of floor of the mouth cancer.

Diagnosis

To diagnose floor of the mouth cancer, doctors typically perform a thorough physical examination and may remove a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy). Imaging tests, such as CT, MRI, and PET scans, and nutrition, speech, and swallowing evaluations may also be conducted to determine the extent of the cancer and plan the best course of treatment. It's important to consult with a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Complications of floor of mouth cancer may include:

1. Difficulty in swallowing and eating: As the cancer progresses and invades nearby tissues, it can cause difficulty in swallowing and eating, leading to weight loss and malnutrition.
2. Spread of cancer (metastasis): Floor of mouth cancer can metastasize to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or brain. The spread of cancer can lead to further complications and reduced survival rates.
3. Nerve damage: Cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy or surgery, can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness or pain in the mouth and face.
4. Speech and hearing problems: Cancer or its treatment can affect the nerves and tissues in the mouth and throat, causing speech and hearing problems.
5. Emotional and psychological issues: A diagnosis of cancer can be emotionally distressing and may lead to anxiety, depression, or other psychological issues.
6. Persistent pain: Although not specifically , pain may be a potential complication for some patients with floor of mouth cancer. It is important to consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing any symptoms or concerns related to floor of mouth cancer.

Home Remedies

It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of floor of the mouth cancer.

Treatment

Treatments for floor of the mouth cancer typically include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. It's important to discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider or oncologist, as they will be able to recommend the most effective course of action based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for floor mouth cancer, you can follow these steps:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact your doctor or a specialist, such as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an ENT specialist, to schedule an appointment.
2. Be Aware of Pre-Appointment Restrictions: Ask if there are any pre-appointment restrictions or instructions you need to follow, such as dietary restrictions.
3. Note Symptoms: Make a list of all symptoms you're experiencing, including those that may seem unrelated to mouth cancer.
4. Prepare a Medical History: Gather information about your medical history, including any major stresses, recent life changes, and current medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.
5. Bring a Support Person: Consider bringing a family member or friend to the appointment to help you remember information and provide support.
6. Prepare Questions: Create a list of questions to ask your doctor, prioritizing them in case time is limited. Some basic questions to ask include understanding the cause, potential treatment options, and whether further tests or specialist consultations are needed. Remember to be thorough in your preparation to make the most of your time with the doctor. Good luck with your appointment!