Gum cancer: the first signs of the initial stage

Oncological diseases in the oral cavity are quite common and recently their growth has increased. External contaminants, quality of nutrition and many other reasons provoke weakening of our antitumor protection in the body. Against the background of weakened defense mechanisms, the ongoing disruptions in the cells grow and at some point get out of control.

Cells begin to actively share and multiply, while not performing their functions. Due to its primitive structure and rapid growth, cancer tissue feeds on surrounding healthy tissues in the body. By displacing living tissue and destroying everything in its path, the altered cells grow and spread throughout the body, forming foci of metastases in the internal organs of man. These metastases, in turn, lead to the destruction of all organs and systems.

Cancer cells can form in any organ or tissue, and if you have a question "Is there gum cancer?", The answer to it is obvious. Gum cancer is an oncological disease that is associated with the rapid growth of mutated cells in the gum. Due to the fact that the organs of the oral cavity have active blood supply and innervation, tumor cells grow and spread very quickly.

It is worth noting that the cancer more often affects the skin and mucous membrane. This trend is explained by the high potential of cell division. Due to the fact that skin cells and mucous membranes are more often divided, respectively, and failures in this process may occur more. The thing is that the above structures of our body perform a protective function and are exposed to a variety of stimuli. Due to the frequent multiplication of cells, epithelial tissues protect our body from external agents.

Thus, under the influence of unfavorable factors, the antitumor defense of our body decreases, resulting in the oncological disease.

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Epidemiology

Based on statistical data, gum cancer occurs mainly in men aged 55 years. What explains such statistics? Most likely the prevalence of bad habits in males, as well as a greater concern of the body on the part of women. As is known, women often seek medical help from men. Such statistics indicate that this oncological disease dentists can diagnose at the initial stages, if patients will seek help in a timely manner and regularly come for preventive examinations.

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Causes of the gum Cancer

First of all, it is worth noting the risk factors for gum disease, as they are a serious prerequisite for the appearance of a tumor. Unfortunately, cancer is not a disease that has one specific cause. This multifactorial disease, in which the decisive role can play banal stress or bad habits. And in order to protect yourself from oncology, you need to pay attention to all known causes and risk factors. The causes of this disease are still unclear, so the focus will be on risk factors for gum disease.

The risk factors for gum cancer can be divided into general and local. Common include hereditary heredity, harmful working conditions, stress, hypothermia, impaired diet and poor quality of food, bad habits, viral and infectious diseases.

Scientists have long proven a hereditary predisposition to this or that oncological disease. Therefore, one should be interested in the diseases of the next of kin in order to pay attention to genetically weakened organs. Harmful working conditions mean work in mines, factories, in the production of chemicals, plastics where there is a danger of evaporation of substances and their entry through the respiratory system into the human body. Also harmful are the evaporation of mercury, alcohol and other irritants that occur in the work of builders, welders and doctors. No less harmful is the X-ray radiation, which affects the employees of X-ray rooms.

Stresses, as with any disease, play an active role in oncopathology and are a fertile ground for a malfunction in the body. With chronic stress, the level of cortisol production increases, which stimulates vasospasm. As a result, spasmodic vessels lose their elasticity and accordingly functionality, causing disturbances throughout the body. Subcooling, like overheating, causes weakening of the body, reducing its resistance to bacteria, viruses and fungi. With such conditions, the level of antitumor protection falls.

The quality and diet regime directly affects the body's resistance. The lack of necessary proteins, microelements and vitamins deprives the body of the building material of immune organs, which subsequently do not cope with their functions and there is an immunodeficiency. Due to a violation of quality and diet, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract appear, resulting in the body becoming even weaker.

Harmful habits, namely, tobacco smoking, alcoholism and drug addiction all also weaken the body's immunity, making a greater bias on the liver and lungs. These organs purify the body and, if their work is disturbed, toxic conditions arise. Not to mention the fact that the effects of these substances on the mucous membrane and gum cause stagnant phenomena in the tissues, the violation of trophic and the division of epithelial cells.

Viral and infectious diseases are dangerous because they weaken the immune system of the body. For example, the herpes virus is in the human body throughout life and gradually weakens it, due to regular exacerbations of certain diseases. It depresses immunity and thus weakens the body's defense against cancer.

To local risk factors for cancer gums include precancerous diseases, chronic diseases of the oral cavity, destroyed teeth, chronic injuries, broken bite, lack of teeth, unsound prostheses.

Precancerous diseases of the oral mucosa are a direct threat to the appearance of gum cancer. These include Bowen's disease, verucus form of leukoplakia, papillomatosis, erosive-ulcerative form of red flat lichen and systemic lupus erythematosus. If you identify the above listed diseases, you need to urgently deal with their treatment, as soon they can become malignant and go to gum cancer.

Chronic diseases are often the basis for the formation of tumor cells. With prolonged illnesses and chronic inflammation, immune defense is weakened in this area, due to a long process. With adverse effects of various factors, the cells mutate and begin to divide uncontrollably.

The destroyed teeth act as a hotbed of infection and as a traumatic agent. In the first case, such a tooth causes a chronic sluggish inflammatory process with all its consequences. And in the second case - a chronic gum trauma and surrounding mucous membrane disrupts the processes of cell division, which as a result contributes to the formation of cancer. A broken bite also refers to a chronic traumatizing agent that provokes the emergence of a long non-healing focus. After a while, this area is malignant and a disappointing diagnosis will be made.

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Pathogenesis

Mechanisms of cancer are at the stage of study, so there are many theories of its origin and mechanisms of development. Fundamentals of the pathogenesis of gum cancer are reduced to the fact that with adverse effects and a weakened body there is a failure in the division of the gum cells. The cells mutate and begin to divide uncontrollably, increasing their population to hundreds of thousands. These cells corrode healthy tissues, vascular and neural bundles. Even bone and cartilaginous tissue is affected by cancer, due to the aggressiveness of cancer cells.

Gum cancer, or carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma of the gum, depending on the species is divided into keratinizing and non-keratinizing. It flows in four stages, which move one into another quite quickly. At the first stage of gum disease, a small formation on the gum is revealed without affecting the lymph nodes and spreading to other organs. The second stage is a medium-sized tumor without lymph node involvement and spread to other organs. At the third stage, the size of the tumor can vary, but lymph node involvement occurs without spreading to other organs. The fourth stage means large tumor sizes, affected lymph nodes and metastases in internal organs.

[19], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26]

Symptoms of the gum Cancer

The localization of the gum cancer can be completely different, therefore, the cancer of the upper and lower gums occurs quite often. It is very important to know the symptoms of gum cancer and its first manifestations, since the earlier the disease is diagnosed, the more favorable the outcome will be. In gum cancer, the first signs are often gingival hemorrhage and pain. Such symptoms are also observed with gingivitis and periodontitis, but they will not progress as quickly as in gum cancer. Following the first signs followed by the formation of a dense infiltrate on the gum or bleeding granulations from the dentogingival pocket. These are characteristics of the initial stage of gum cancer, at which cancer cells develop inside the gums.

Later, ulceration of the lesions occurs and an ulcer is formed on the gum. It is painless, has a crater-like shape and a dense base, surrounded by a mucous membrane of red color. Such an ulcer can sprout deeper into the gums and damage the bone tissue. The spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes and other organs occurs fairly quickly, due to the high activity of gum exchange processes.

Of the common signs of gum cancer, you can identify a sharp decrease in body weight, loss of appetite, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fever and other signs of intoxication.

Many parents are interested in the question, what does the gum disease in children look like? And indeed, parents need to know the features of the oncological diseases in children. In children, the physiological color of the gum is bright red, and therefore it is very difficult to notice reddening of the gum with such a picture. In infants with gum cancer there is a massive salivation, they refuse to eat, cry, sleep badly. In the oral cavity on the mucous membrane of the alveolar process, there is a turbid condensation, which quickly ulcerates. In children of middle age, the diagnosis is faster, due to the fact that the child no longer has a language barrier and can complain to parents about pain and bleeding, explaining their complaints and describing their character.

Complications and consequences

The consequences and complications of gum cancer are the spreading of cancer cells throughout the body and the toxic damage to the body. Metastasis can occur in absolutely any organ, and during its formation the vital resources of this organ will be used up to its death.

However, if nevertheless it is possible to cure gum cancer, there may be consequences of radiation and chemotherapy. They consist in the violation of the processes of blood formation, toxic damage to the liver, ulceration of the mucous membranes, trophinoneurotic disturbances and severe suppression of immunity. Therefore, after treatment of gum cancer, it is necessary to undergo a course of rehabilitation of the body for the restoration and normalization of physiological mechanisms.

[29], [30], [32], [33], [35], [36], [37]

Diagnostics of the gum Cancer

When diagnosing, it is very important to take into account all the information on the disease, especially pay attention to occupational hazards, previous diseases, bad habits and symptoms of cancer. With oncological diseases, a number of studies are being carried out, such as X-ray methods, dentoscopy, ultrasound, scintigraphy, histological and cytological research. You can also add general clinical tests, such as a clinical blood test, urine, blood to sugar, but they do not provide specific information about malignant growth. Though, from the presented researches it is necessary to begin diagnostics for exception of other diseases and correct statement of the diagnosis.

X-ray diagnosis of gum cancer is carried out to review the prevalence of the tumor in other areas and tissues of the oral cavity. It is used from ordinary radiography to kt and mrt. Gum cancer on a CT scan will look like a formation on the gums that spreads to surrounding tissues, bone, muscles, etc. Gingival cancer on the x-ray will only be visible if the cancer tissue spreads to the bone tissue, since the soft tissue is not contrasted in the image . The method of dentistry is based on a change in the optical properties of pathological tissues in which fluorescent lighting is used. With the help of this study, it is possible to identify an inflammatory or tumor process found in the oral cavity.

Also, to important instrumental methods of diagnosing cancer gums are uzi. This method allows you to determine the depth and volume of cancer tissue, which plays a big role in choosing a treatment plan. Also, when the lymph nodes are affected, the uzi helps determine their presence, localization and extent of damage. Scintigraphy is carried out by introducing into the body radioactive substances that can be deposited in metastases. Thus, this method helps to determine the presence, number and location of metastases.

Cytological examination is carried out by taking a scraping or flushing from the affected area to analyze the cellular composition. In this study, it is possible to detect disturbed processes of cell division, disturbance of epithelial layers, atypical structure, which will indicate the oncological nature of the disease. Finally, taking a biopsy, or histological examination, is always done when there is a suspicion of a tumor. It allows you to make the necessary sections of tissue and see under the microscope the entire tissue. On the basis of this research, an accurate diagnosis is made and the tactics of treatment are determined.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis of gum cancer is primarily carried out with precancerous diseases, benign tumors, long-lasting non-healing ulcers, and also between malignant neoplasms. Especially, it is worth paying attention to chronic inflammatory processes of the gum, periodontal, as they can under unfavorable circumstances transform into an oncology.

Treatment of the gum Cancer

Therapy performed with gum cancer should be complex and include the removal of the tumor and its metastases (if any), radiation and chemotherapy. It is also important not to forget about restorative therapy, vitamins, physiotherapy, homeopathy and herbal medicine. Together, these types of treatment form a rehabilitation complex that can effectively cope with cancer.

And so, after the diagnosis has been made by the doctor, they go on to plan treatment. Depending on the stage, the form of the disease and other features form a treatment regimen. In the first stage of cancer, gums are treated with a surgical method of treatment, after which a course of radiotherapy is prescribed. In the second and third stages of the disease, radiotherapy can be prescribed first, followed by the removal of the tumor, the affected lymph nodes. Then prescribe chemotherapy. During the rehabilitation period, there are general restorative measures, physiotherapy procedures and vitamins. In the fourth stage, with the spread of cancer cells throughout the body resort to symptomatic treatment, as the process is too neglected and the forecast is unfavorable.

Surgery for gum cancer is one of the main methods of treatment of a tumor disease. From surgical methods actively uses the traditional method (excision of tissues), cryodestruction, diathermocoagulation, laser therapy. Of course, the most widespread method was the traditional method, in which the tumor is excised with a scalpel. However, recently it is very important to remove the affected area with a laser. Its advantages are bloodlessness of intervention, more accurate excision of tissues, improved regeneration in the postoperative period.

Cryodestruction and diathermocoagulation are used as alternative methods of tumor removal. In cryodestruction, low temperatures are applied to the tumor site, and when diathermic coagulation is high. These methods are used for small sizes of cancer, when it is necessary to selectively remove the tumor. Also, these techniques require several visits to achieve a result and remove all atypical cells.

During the treatment of gum cancer, medications accompany each stage of therapy. During the surgical intervention, anesthetics, antihistamines, tranquilizers, anti-inflammatory drugs, adrenoblockers are required. The main goal is the successful implementation of the operational process, in which all these drugs will be used to reduce the risk of complications.

After the removal of the tumor, a course of chemotherapy is usually performed. The drugs used in this course are divided into alkylating, antimetabolites, antitumor antibiotics, herbal preparations, hormonal agents, enzymatic substances and antagonists of sex hormones. Chemotherapy is aimed at inhibiting the development of tumor cells and their destruction in the body.

Rehabilitation treatment

At treatment of oncological diseases gums actively use vitamins and vitamin complexes with microcells. They are used during the recovery period, and are also included in the list of preventive measures for tumor lesions. Vitamins a, c and d play a key role in the repair of damaged tissues. Vitamin c, as a powerful antioxidant, inhibits free radical oxidation of lipids and thus protects the body from the destructive effects of decay products. Vitamin D plays an important role in the assimilation of calcium and its reception inevitably improves bone formation. Vitamins of the group in take part in metabolic processes, affect the transmission of nerve impulses along with magnesium and trophic processes in combination with iron. Thus, vitamins and trace elements are an integral part of the rehabilitation period after any cancer, especially gum disease.

Physiotherapeutic treatment is used during rehabilitation and regeneration of surrounding tissues after the main therapy. It includes laser therapy, electromyostimulation, massage, inhalation and electrophoresis of medicinal substances, ufo, acupuncture, electrosleep, magnetotherapy, LPC, ultrasound therapy.

Unfortunately, alternative medicine is powerless for oncological diseases, and, as it were not wanted, it is not capable of curing gum cancer. But, despite this, in the postoperative period, the use of herbal remedies is possible. Herbal treatment is used in the care of a postoperative wound and in the future for prevention. Various infusions and broths of chamomile, oak bark, string, nettle, sage, sea-buckthorn are used for gargles and appliqués on the gum. Alternative treatment will not have a significant effect, but it can slightly improve the condition of the gum and the whole oral cavity.

In the treatment of gum cancer after the main methods of treatment, namely the removal of the tumor, the affected lymph nodes and metastases, radiation and chemotherapy, use homeopathic remedies. This group of drugs increases the resistance of the body to external stimuli and improves the regeneration of tissues in the postoperative period. However, their action is prolonged, and in order to achieve certain results of treatment it is necessary to undergo a long course, which lasts more than one month. The impact on the body is determined by small doses of active substances of a vegetative nature, which act on accumulation.

Examples of homeopathic remedies are traumeel c, lymphomiazot, gastritol, and enthistol. Take courses, making small breaks a month.

It is important to remember that homeopathy is not the main kind of treatment for gum cancer! Moreover, if you self-prescribe these drugs, you can worsen the condition of the body. Thus, the use of homeopathic substances can be justified only when appointed by a doctor, with a clearly defined dosage. Without knowing the pathogenesis of the disease, the properties of the drugs and their combination, one can not independently take such medicines.

Prevention

In order to prevent gum cancer, it is important to remember that it is caused by a complex of causes and conditions. Therefore, in order to protect themselves from such a disease, it is necessary to come to the dentist in time to check for all the problems in the oral cavity and treatment. It is important to avoid bad habits, to monitor oral hygiene, to avoid getting into the body of toxic substances. If there are prostheses in the oral cavity, one should remember a regular visit to the dentist, since the prostheses are in direct contact with the gum. In this case, erosion, ulcers, bedsores and even cancers of the gums and mucous membrane may occur. Thus, coming in time to the doctor, you can protect yourself from the occurrence of any complications of prosthetics.

Also, an important factor is the regime of the day, the conditions of residence and work. It is proved that correction of the regime of the day, nutrition and living conditions is able to normalize the general condition and strengthen immunity, which in the future is the prevention of any diseases, not only cancer. Reducing the number of stressful situations will also have a beneficial effect on the state of immunity both of the whole organism and of the oral cavity.

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Forecast

The prognosis for gum cancer depends on the stage at which the disease was diagnosed. Though, certainly, in comparison with other kinds of oncological diseases at a cancer of gums death rate nevertheless is less. This is due to an earlier detection of the disease in the early stages of the tumor process. In this case, the tumor is localized in the oral cavity, has no metastases and consequently severe consequences in the future. However, if you address the more severe stages of gum cancer, with the development of metastases and the defeat of other areas, treatment will be unsuccessful. Therefore, the prognosis for gum cancer is formed depending on the stage and the presence of metastases: in the absence of lesions of lymph nodes and internal organs, the prognosis is favorable, if there are metastases, it is unfavorable.

Thus, even with gum cancer there is a chance for a favorable resolution, it is only necessary to consult a doctor in time. And in order to do this you just need to visit a regular dentist to exclude any dental diseases.

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