Cancer develops out of malignant cells which spread in the body, damaging the tissues. There are many types of cancers which takes root in organs, tissues, lung and bones. This article deals with causes and reasons behind jaw cancer.
There could be many reasons affiliated to cancer. These reasons are classified into two groups, environmental and hereditary. Genetics increase the possibility of cancer while environment stimulates the possibility even more. Radiation, tobacco, sunlight or coming in contact with poisonous plants fall into environmental cause and give rise to this disease. Ill habits and unhygienic living conditions are responsible for many of the oral cancers too. Among these mouth cancers, we’ll be dealing with jaw cancer which is soon spreading among the people.
The jaw is located at the opening of the mouth and helps us in chewing and biting the food. It comprises teeth which are distributed in the upper and lower part of the jaw. Our various eating habits, give rise to many disorder in the bone of the jaw. Most likely disorder is the jaw cancer. In case, there is certain abnormality in the movement in the jawbone or constant pain could be the jaw cancer symptoms. Jaw cancer originates from the bone, resulting into pain. In the early stage, the pain can be terminated by consuming some pain killers. However, as the disease increases, the patient has to pay a visit to the doctor.
During the commencement of the disease, the patient might observe an immobile lump in the jaw. Many times, this health problem may result into loss of teeth. The lump is located near them and a patient might feel a little tingling sensation. If the problem is left unattended, the tumor has a chance to spread to the muscles and lymph nodes. Once the tumor begins to spread on the muscles, it might cause more pain and restrict the movement of the jaw, making it hard to open and shut. Any cancers can get very painful if they are not treated well in time. Our living conditions determine the quality of our health. Therefore, amending them, could protect us from such deadly diseases.
Causes of Jaw Cancer
Many times our environment is responsible for many hazardous health problems. Jaw cancer is one such mouth disorder that is dangerous and sometimes, proves fatal.
Consumption of Tobacco
Tobacco is greatly held responsible for jaw cancer. It can be consumed in the form of cigarettes, cigars or pipes. People who consume such a drug, are likely to get affected by cancer. Tobacco contains nicotine which is addictive and therefore hard to quit. However, it harms the overall well-being of the body and produces harmful diseases. With the availability of smokeless tobacco, it is being consumed by people all around the world.
Smokeless tobacco is consumed through chewing or snuffing. Nicotine is consumed and the juices that are formed out of chewing are spit out. The tobacco induced in smokeless products come in flavors and contain around 28 chemicals, which develop cancer. People with long history of smoking and chewing tobacco have fallen prey to such an oral disease. As the smoking culture is gaining speed, it has raised the chances of more oral cancers.
Consumption of Alcohol
As intake of tobacco raises the risk of oral cancer, consumption of alcohol too increases the risk. After tobacco, alcohol is a greater underlying cause of jaw cancer or other oral diseases. It has got many chemicals induced in it, which speed up the process of cancer. If, alcohol is consumed along with tobacco it has more harmful effect on our health. Drinking alcohol causes dehydration and allows the tobacco to penetrate the tissues near the mouth. This boosts the chances of oral cancer. A person is likely to suffer from mouth cancer, if both tobacco and alcohol are consumed together.
Sunlight Exposure
With the ever-increasing heat and constant exposure to sun, it can prove very harmful to our health. It gives rise to many health ailments. The sun’s rays can cause cellular mutations and give rise to oral cancer. However, due to many sun protection products, the harm caused by the sun can be prevented.
Viral Infection
Prolonged chronic ailment can result into mouth cancers. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the viruses that lead to oral cancer. This virus develops at the base of the tongue and spreads towards the inner area of the cheeks and the area between the teeth. Today, the HPV positive people are soon adding to the list of oral cancers.
Preventive Measures
As the new living conditions and habits are giving rise to poor health, there is a chance to improve the way of living. Like mentioned before, excessive smoking and alcohol can lead to jaw and other oral cancers. In case, you are having a hard time to quit, take the advise of a doctor and begin work on reducing the intake of these hazardous drugs and drinks. Nicotine in the tobacco is addictive and makes it harder to quit but not impossible. To make life healthy and free of dangerous health ailments, it is better to take precautions.
There are many products such as lotions and balms available to protect the skin from getting damaged. As our face is directly exposed to sun, it causes oral cancer too. Therefore, apply sun protection or use a hat to protect oneself from the harmful sunrays. Many of us are an easy target for chronic ailments. The only way to cure chronic viruses, is to consult the doctor immediately. They can provide with right medication and avoid the spread of the virus too.
Life is dear to all and is essential to take complete care of it. Introducing some healthy habits and following them can give you happier and content life. So, after understanding the causes, take a step forward to avoid yourself from falling victim to oral cancers.