What Are Throat and Oral Cancer? (Post #2)

Hi! 

Welcome back! Today, we will be discussing the basics of oral and throat cancer, including what they are, common treatments, challenges, and statistics related to both. 

Oral and throat cancer are among the top 15 most prevalent cancers worldwide. They tend to be more common in men than women. 

Oral cancer is defined as “a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, the floor of the mouth, and the hard palate”. In India, tobacco is responsible for 70% of oral cancer cases. Heavy alcohol consumption and betel nut chewing also have clear links to oral cancer. In fact, statistics show that the consumption of tobacco and alcohol together can increase the risk of getting the disease up to 30 times. 

When looking at symptoms, it is important to remember that they usually last more than 2 weeks:

• Non-healing mouth ulcer

• White or red patches in the mouth

• Lump in the mouth

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Numbness of the tongue or mouth

• Loose teeth

• Pain in the mouth or jaw

• Unexplained Bleeding

Common prevention tactics include:

• Avoiding tobacco

• Limiting alcohol consumption

• Maintaining good oral hygiene

  • Brush teeth twice a day

  • Floss regularly, preferably once a day

  • Gently brush tongue 

  • Regularly use antibacterial mouthwash

• Regular dental checkups

  • Every 6 months

Oral cancer is commonly treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and/or radiation therapy. 

Throat cancer refers to cancer that develops in the throat (pharynx) or voice box (larynx). It is especially common in the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils, the back of the throat, and the base of the tongue. Its main causes are HPV Infection, cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, tobacco chewing, repeated acid reflux (for some cancers in the larynx), and exposure to certain pollutants. 

Since many people might not know what HPV is, I will be giving a short explanation. HPV, also known as Human Papillovirus, is a very common virus with more than 100 types. Most HPV infections are harmless and go away on their own. However, there are a few types that cause warts and increase the risk of throat cancer. One type that is high-risk is HPV-16. It infects the cells in the back of the throat, and over time, can cause cancer cells to develop in the oropharynx. 

If you develop HPV, it is important to remember that most HPV infections DO NOT result in cancer, and most go away on their own! However, if you feel concerned about your risk of developing throat cancer or know you have contracted type 16, you can always schedule a checkup with your doctor. Better safe than sorry! 

Now that you know what HPV is, let's get back to our throat cancer information:

Similar to symptoms for oral cancer, it is important to remember that throat cancer symptoms usually last more than 2 weeks:

• Voice changes

• Unexplained bleeding 

• Ear pain (without an ear infection)

• Unexplained weight loss (more common for later stages)

• Persistent sore throat

• Chronic cough

• Lump in the neck

Common prevention tactics include:

• HPV vaccination

• Avoiding tobacco or smoking products

• Limiting alcohol consumption

• Treating acid reflux

• Maintaining a healthy diet 

Throat cancer, just like oral cancer, is commonly treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. 

Both throat and oral cancer survival rates are improving, and early detection can reduce death rates by up to 50%! Through Spiramen, we’re focused on helping more people get screened sooner.

Follow along every Friday at 6pm to see how we make a difference in our community, one screening at a time! See you next week!

Image Citations:

Silverhill Dental. “Oral Cancer Diagram,” Silverhilldental.com, silverhilldental.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/oral-cancer.jpg. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.The Methioloma Illustrator. Throat Cancer Diagram, www.asbestos.com/cancer/laryngeal/throat-cancer-statistics/. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.