Oral cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the mouth or throat. It is also known as mouth cancer, tongue cancer, or throat cancer. The cancer can develop in the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, or floor of the mouth. Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Coastal Virginia Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery states that oral cancer affects men over women on a 2:1 ratio.
Companies like Medditour act as a platform to connect the patients seeking treatment for oral cancer with the global hospitals and facilitators for affordable and quality treatments.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of oral cancer, as well as its influence on medical tourism in countries like India, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Causes of Oral Cancer
The exact cause of oral cancer is unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. These factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and a weakened immune system. HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is also a risk factor for oral cancer.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
The symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on the location and size of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:
- A sore or lump in the mouth that does not heal
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Persistent mouth pain
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Loose teeth
- A change in voice or speech
- A lump or swelling in the neck
A diagnosis of oral cancer is typically made by performing a physical exam, biopsy, or imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that diagnosing oral cancer at an early stage significantly increases 5-year survival rates.
Treatment of Oral Cancer
The treatment of oral cancer depends on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the stage of the disease. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy to kill cancer cells, and chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells. In some cases, a combination of these treatments may be used. In addition to these treatments, patients may also receive supportive care to manage symptoms such as pain, difficulty swallowing, and malnutrition.
Influence of Oral Cancer on Medical Tourism
This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in countries like India, Singapore, and Malaysia, which offer high-quality medical care at a lower cost than many Western countries. Oral cancer is one of the conditions that can draw patients to these countries for treatment.
The availability of advanced medical technology and skilled healthcare professionals in these countries make them attractive options for patients seeking treatment for oral cancer. In addition, the lower cost of treatment compared to Western countries can be a significant factor for patients who may not have access to or cannot afford expensive medical care in their home countries.
Another important reason for patients seeking oral cancer treatments to choose medical tourism is that they can combine their treatment with vacation at these medical tourism destinations. Medical tourism companies like Medditour help the patients relax at the exotic locations to get relieved of the stress that they have faced during the treatment.
In conclusion, oral cancer is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. While the exact causes of oral cancer are not known, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Treatment options for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For patients seeking medical treatment for oral cancer, countries like India, Singapore, and Malaysia offer high-quality medical care at a lower cost than many Western countries.