Mr. Hai, a 67-year-old man, had been smoking 10 cigarettes a day for the past 40 years when he developed ulcers in his mouth that failed to heal. This led to a diagnosis of oral cancer and a hard lump on his left cheek that caused pain and difficulty chewing. Despite initial examinations showing no abnormalities, the tumor continued to grow, prompting him to seek medical attention at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
On June 22, Master Doan Minh Trong, Head of the Face and Neck Unit at the hospital, described the ulcer in Mr. Hai’s left cheek as about 2.5 cm in size with a rough texture. Biopsy results revealed stage three squamous cell carcinoma, keratinization, invading the left cheek mucosa. Oral cancer can develop in various areas of the oral cavity, including the tongue, gums, and lips. Smoking is one of the primary risk factors for oral cancer as it exposes the body to over 60 toxic chemicals that weaken the immune system and damage DNA.
Dr. Trong emphasized that Mr. Hai’s smoking habits significantly increased his risk for oral cancer. Smokers are at least five to six times more likely to develop the disease than non-smokers, with risks increasing with the duration of smoking. Combining smoking with alcohol consumption can elevate the risk even further. Treatment for oral cancer typically involves surgery to remove the tumor followed by radiation therapy to prevent metastasis.
It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the symptoms of oral cancer such as persistent ulcers, difficulty swallowing and unexplained weight loss. Regular dental check-ups and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. With a mortality rate of nearly 50%, oral cancer remains a serious global health concern that requires addressing risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and poor oral hygiene to reduce its incidence.
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