Oral Tumour

Oral tumour is the irregular growth or mutation of hard or soft oral tissues in the mouth. It mostly occurs in elderly persons. Oral tumour can be classified as benign or malignant tumours. Malignant tumour is commonly known as oral cancer, which can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal. Therefore, if there is any uncommon manifestation appearing in the oral tissue, consult your doctor or dentist immediately for a detailed examination and seek appropriate treatment.

Causes

Up to date, we are still unsure of the causes of oral tumour but it is closely related to the following factors:

• Physical factors

Taking overly-hot food or drinks for an extended period of time, wearing unfit dentures that damage oral tissues for a long period of time, long term exposure to strong sunlight, or radiation can all cause mutation of oral tissues.

• Chemical factors

Chemicals such as nicotine and tar inside cigarettes, alcohol, or betel nut juice will slowly destroy oral tissue. Therefore, smoking, tobacco chewing, excessive intake of alcohol or chewing betel nut for a long period of time may lead to oral tumour.

• Infected by virus or bacteria

Virus such as EB Virus and bacteria such as syphilis are closely related to oral tumour.

• Health problems

Problems in endocrine system, immune system or metabolism are possible factors leading to oral tumours.

Symptoms

• An ulcer that doesn't heal after a long period of time, with a necrotic surface that is gangrenous which starts to spread to surrounding areas forming a depressed centre, or a lump with an uneven surface.
• Pain or bleeding in the mouth without a cause.
• Sudden numbness on parts of the face.
• Swelling of jaw bones; loosening of teeth without a cause.
• Swelling of lymph nodes in the head and neck area without a cause.

Treatment

• Identify the type and stage of tumour according to its size, location, and determine from whether it has spread through the lymphatic system or blood vessels.
• When necessary, treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery could be done according to the type and stage of the tumour.

Prevention

• Avoid cancer causing factors

• Do not smoke
• Do not take overly-hot food or drinks
• Avoid exposure to strong sunlight
• Do not drink alcohol excessively for an extended period of time
• If the denture is unfit, you should have it adjusted or get a new denture made by your dentist.

• Increase your body resistance by

• Maintain good physical and mental health
• Have sufficient rest
• Have a balanced diet
• Exercise regularly