How is gum cancer? | Its difference with gingivitis

The gum is a tissue that is located in the mucous membrane and above the jaw inside the mouth. The gum is made of skin and consists of several layers of skin layers. Gums are responsible for protecting teeth and dental plaque. The gums may have problems with various factors such as inflammation, infection, abscess, blackness, disease, volume increase, and bleeding. In this article, we are going to address one of the rare problems in the gums called gum cancer.

The origin of gum cancer

The exact cause of gum cancer is not yet known, we will mention some of the risk factors here, and then we will answer the question of how is gum cancer.

• Smoking, especially cigarettes
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Improper maintenance of teeth and gums
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Exposure to light
• Certain blood or immune disorders
• Certain chemicals or drugs

How is gum cancer?

Maybe many of you are wondering what gum cancer is like and what are its symptoms. Gum cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the soft tissues of the mouth, especially the gums. This type of cancer is rare and accounts for only 1% of all oral cancers. Gum cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 40 and is more common in men than women. Symptoms of gum cancer may include swelling, redness, pain, bleeding, cracking, sores, discoloration, loose teeth, and bad breath.

These risk factors cause gum cells to grow abnormally and become cancer cells.

What are the growth stages of gum cancer?

Gum cancer may develop in four different stages:

• Stage 1: The cancer is only in the gums and has not spread to other tissues.
• Stage 2: The cancer has spread beyond the gum to a depth of 2 cm or less.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread more than 2 cm beyond the gum and may have spread to a lymph node near the mouth.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to tissues far from the mouth, such as the jawbone, tongue, throat, nose, or ear, and may have spread to several lymph nodes or other organs.

The growth stage of gum cancer has an important effect on the prognosis and treatment of the patient.

Do not confuse gum cancer with inflammation

Now that we have addressed the frequent question of how gum cancer is, it is not without grace that we address this very important and key point to be careful not to confuse simple inflammation of the gums with gum cancer. Gingivitis or gingivitis is a common disease in which the gums become red, swollen, and sensitive. This disease is usually caused by the deposition of dental plaque on the gums and can be treated by taking proper care of the mouth and teeth and visiting the dentist. If gingivitis is not treated, it may develop into a more serious disease called periodontitis or inflammation around the teeth. In this disease, the tissues that hold the teeth in place are damaged and may cause the teeth to fall out.

Gingivitis and gum cancer may have some symptoms in common, such as swelling, redness, pain, and bleeding gums. However, these two diseases are different in terms of cause, severity, and treatment. To accurately diagnose gum cancer, the dentist in Richmond Hill must take a biopsy of the gum tissue and examine it under a microscope. If gum cancer is diagnosed, the patient should see a cancer specialist and start appropriate treatment.

How is gum cancer treated?

Now, you may have a question, how is the treatment of gum cancer? Gum cancer treatment depends on the stage, size, location, and type of cancer. Some methods of gum cancer treatment are:

• Surgery: In this method, the doctor removes the cancerous tissues from the patient’s mouth. If the cancer has spread to the jawbone, it may also remove part of the bone. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they may also be operated on.
• Radiation therapy: In this method, the doctor uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. This procedure may be performed alone or together with gum surgery.
• Chemotherapy: In this method, the doctor uses drugs that can kill cancer cells or slow their growth. These drugs may be given as pills, injections, or injections. Chemotherapy may be done alone or in combination with surgery or radiation therapy.
• Immune system therapy: In this method, the doctor uses drugs that can strengthen the body’s immune system and help it recognize and fight cancer. These drugs may be given by injection. Immune system therapy may be done alone or in combination with other treatments.
• Treatment of gum cancer may cause complications such as infection, bleeding, pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sores, dry mouth, changes in the mouth, falling teeth, and changes in the appearance of the mouth. The patient should talk to his doctor about these complications and ways to reduce them.

Frequently asked questions

• What type of treatment is suitable for gum cancer?

There may be several methods to treat gum cancer. Depending on the location and progress of the cancer and the opinion of the attending physician, surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be needed.

• 2- How can gum cancer and gingivitis be prevented?

To prevent the occurrence of gum cancer, you should pay attention to cleaning your teeth and avoid eating hard foods such as toothbrushes, pistachios, red peppers, etc. You should also eat a proper diet and avoid using alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated drinks.