oral cancer in india Oral cancer ranks in the top three of all cancers in India, which accounts for over thirty per cent of all cancers reported in the country and oral cancer control is quickly becoming a global health priority. Medhavini saxena Mariya Ann Joseph

epidemiology

Tobacco chewing was identified as the most common cause of the cancer Tobacco chewing was identified as the most common cause of the cancer . Further research proved that it is the most important avoidable factor of oral cancer. India tops in the prevalence of oral cancer in the world and remains the most common cancer amongst the male population .The increased prevalence of the oral cancer in the Indian subcontinent seems to be due to the high exposure to sunlight due to farming, smoking and other smokeless tobacco habits, alcohol, spicy food, and neglect of overall oral health.

Symptoms associated with oral cancer are as follows: Skin lesions, lump or ulcer: 1. On tongue, lips or other mouth area 2. Usually small 3. Most often pale colored, rarely dark or discoloured 4. Early signs include white patch (Leukoplakia) or a red patch (Erythroplakia) on soft tissues of the mouth 5. Usually painless initially but may develop with burning sensation as the tumour advances. 4. Tongue problems 5. Swallowing difficulty 6. Mouth sores that do not resolve in 14 days

Signs and tests for oral cancer: An examination of the mouth by a physician or dentist or other health care provider shows a visible and /or palpable mass or lesion on the lip, tongue or mouth. A tissue biopsy of the lip or tongue or other oral tissues and microscopic examination of the lesion confirms the diagnosis of oral cancer

Treatment options for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer by stage Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ) Although cancer in this stage has not become invasive (started to grow into deeper layers of tissue), it can do so if not treated. The usual treatment is to remove the top layers of tissue along with a small margin of normal tissue .Carcinoma in situ that keeps coming back after resection may require cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer-treating-radiation-therapy. Nearly all patients at this stage survive a long time without the need for more intensive treatment. But it is important to note that continuing to smoke increases the risk that a new cancer will develop. Stages I and II Most patients with stage I or II oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer can be successfully treated with either surgery or radiation-therapy. If the tumour is thick, this increases the risk that the cancer may have spread to lymph nodes in the neck, so the surgeon may remove them (lymph node dissection) to be checked for cancer spread. For cancers of the floor of the mouth, front of the tongue, inside of the cheek, gums, and hard palate, surgery is the main treatment . For cancers of the back of the tongue, soft palate, and tonsils, the main treatment is radiation therapy aimed at the cancer and the lymph nodes in the neck. Surgery can be used as the main treatment (instead of radiation) in some cases. Stages III and IVA These cancers are often treated with a combination of surgery and radiation. Surgery is often done first and includes removal of neck lymph nodes (lymph node dissection). Stage IVB Cancers that have already spread to other parts of the body are usually treated with chemo, cetuximab, or both. Other treatments such as radiation may also be used to help relieve symptoms from the cancer or to help prevent problems from occurring. Clinical trials are looking at different ways of combining radiation and chemo with or without cetuximab or other new agents to improve survival and quality of life, and reduce the need for radical or deforming resection of advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.

effects on mental state and economic state after diagnosis Psychological aspect - 1. The very sound and the idea of the word "cancer" is enough to put the strongest person in despair. The effect of the word on the personality of the person starts right from the time a biopsy is demanded for the diagnosis; with heightened anxiety till the reports arrive. 2. The effect of cancer surgery that leads to the disfigurement of face, changes the complete insignia of the person. Economic aspect- 1. The effect of oral cancer treatment takes a heavy toll on the financial condition of the person. The treatment is expensive, apart from its side effects.Before the disease reaches the state of higher morbidity and mortality, it has to be prevented or identified early and treated effectively

major risk factors for oral cancers tobacco use -90% alcohol use -75-80% age over 40 UV ray exposure - 30% a major cause of this cancer is also due to the consumption of paan - is a preparation combining betel leaf with areca nut and sometimes also with tobacco. It is chewed for its stimulant and psychoactive effects.

other than external factors society plays a major role and influence too . many famous actors and newspapers promote advertisements for tobacco brands . reality

major efforts for tobacco control in india warning on cigarette packages and advertisements warning on smokeless tobacco products cabinet guidelines for smoking in public places community education on health hazards of tobacco,cigrattes , paan and paan parag etc being the third largest producer of tobacco , the government issued a tobacco ban : difficult but useful . stop smoking

conclusion We will continue this battle against cancer and its widespread ill effects on health and its other aspects as well. Enabling the people to lead a healthy life in a healthy environment . the goals and objectives of government to lessen the burden of oral cancer are - 1. Knowledge that will help us in understanding disease processes, their underlying causes as well as the concepts that determine population dynamics related to those diseases. 2. Advances in oral cancer detection techniques that provide means for early diagnosis of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions, with ease and precision.

references https://www.webmedcentral.com/wmcpdf/Article_WMC003 626. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jce/2012/701932/ http://www.slideshare.net/guest045801/oral-cancer wikipedia.com webmd.com

hasta la vista cancer by - Medhavini Saxena Mariya Joseph