From the University Agenda

Oral Cancer Risk: More common in men!

Oral cancer, a type of mucosal cancer that usually occurs in the lower lip, mouth and tongue, has recently become widespread. Dr. Semih Tanrıverdi, a specialist radiologist, made statements about oral cancer, which has symptoms such as mouth sores, white or red spots, bad breath, difficulty chewing and weight loss.

 
“Oral cancer is twice as common in men”
Istanbul Gelisim University Dental Hospital Radiology Specialist Dr. Semih Tanrıverdi stated that oral cancer often occurs behind the lower lip, mouth, tongue, tonsils and salivary glands. “Oral cancers are mostly caused by multilayered flat epithelial cells and are one of the most common cancers in the head and neck region. It is twice as common in men as in women. That's why regular doctor and dentist examinations are vital for early diagnosis.”
Stressing that tobacco and alcohol use are the most important factors that increase the risk of oral cancer, Tanrıverdi also said, “90% of oral cancer cases are seen in people who smoke and use other tobacco products. When alcohol habit is added, the risk increases even more. Alcohol consumption also directly increases the risk of oral cancer. Therefore, as the amount of alcohol consumption increases, the risk increases. Other risk factors as sunlight, family history of cancer and chronic wounds.''
 
Do not ignore the symptoms!

Early signs of oral cancer are often ignored. Dr. Tanrıverdi noted that symptoms such as sores in the mouth, white, red or mixed spots on the lip, tongue or floor of the mouth are important stimuli. Stating that white spots are called "leukoplakia" and red spots are called "erythroplacia", Tanrıverdi emphasized that red spots have a higher risk of cancer. He also pointed out that if symptoms such as bad breath, difficulty chewing and weight loss are noticed, a specialist should be consulted immediately and that early diagnosis will facilitate the treatment process.

Ways to prevent cancer

IGU Dental Hospital Radiology Specialist Dr. Semih Tanrıverdi stated that it is vital to avoid smoking and alcohol use in order to prevent oral cancer and emphasized that tobacco and alcohol are among the biggest causes of this disease. Stating that regular doctor and dentist checks should not be interrupted to reduce the risk of cancer, Tanrıverdi said that early diagnosis facilitates the treatment process and can prevent the progression of the disease. Pointing out that sharp teeth or prosthetic wounds in the mouth can pave the way for cancer, Tanrıverdi pointed out the importance of treating such problems without neglecting them. Society should be more conscious about this issue, Dr. Tanrıverdi underlined that early diagnosis and treatment are life-saving.