EN 
ES Dr. Arabella Michelén
Monday, October 14, 2019
The month of October is dedicated to the fight against cancer, as well as to oral health.
Cancer is closely related to a disorderly lifestyle; harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, consumption of poor quality food products, neglect of medical visits, among other measures.
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer are no exception. Out-of-control cell growth is what gives rise to cancer.
The most common areas where oral cancer appears are the lips, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, as well as the gums.
The oropharynx includes the soft palate, throat, tonsils, and the posterior third of the tongue.
Oropharyngeal cancer is often considered head and neck cancer. However, it is often associated with oral cancer.
Oral hygiene, the absence of root remains and other infectious foci, poorly adapted prostheses, as well as immunosuppressed patients, are factors in addition to those mentioned above that increase the risk of suffering from cancer.
When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, he or she usually thinks of death. Ignoring the fact that it is a serious health situation is not correct. However, thanks to scientific and technological advances, treatment is becoming more effective and less traumatic.
The moment of diagnosis is very important, therefore, prevention is vital; the prognosis for cancer in an early stage is not the same as for cancer in an advanced stage.
Among the first signs and symptoms that alert the patient to the presence of a malignant lesion and that the patient should see a health professional as soon as possible are: a tumor, an ulcer in the mouth, a whitish spot, burning or itching in a specific area, bad breath and difficulty chewing and swallowing.
Treatment varies greatly, depending on the diagnosis, that is, the type of cancer and its stage, as well as the patient's general and oral health conditions.
This should be discussed between the patient and the doctor; it is important that the entire procedure is explained in detail and the different alternatives as well as the side effects and consequences if they exist.
Due to the nature of the disease, its diagnosis and treatment indirectly involves close family members.
Sometimes psychological support is advisable.
Remember, prevention is better than cure.