Anything that raises a person’s chances of contracting a disease like cancer is considered a risk factor. Risk factors for different cancers differ. Smoking is one risk factor that can be changed. Others, such as a person’s age or family history, are unchangeable.
But risk factors don’t tell us everything we need to know. Even having a lot of risk factors is not a guarantee that one will get the disease. And many people who get this disease have few or no known risk factors.
Cells in oral cancer grow out of control and cause tissue damage, which is a serious condition. Any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, cheeks, gums, palate, and throat, may be affected. According to the study, 41,000 children are affected by oral cancer. It is crucial to be aware of the signs and risk factors in childhood because it can be fatal if untreated.
Can Children Develop Oral Cancer?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, it is incredibly uncommon in children. Children normally are not affected by the main risk factors for oral cancer, such as using tobacco or alcohol excessively or possessing the human papillomavirus (HPV). Parents should be aware of the symptoms because it is possible for children to develop oral cancer, especially if other medical conditions are present or there is a genetic predisposition.
Here are some of the most common oral cancer symptoms:-
- Sores or lesions that haven’t healed after 10 days
- Any soft tissue that is hard, crusty, or thickening in your child’s mouth
- Changes in your child’s voice
- Flat tissue patches with a silky texture (they may be red, white, or speckled)
- Your kid says that part of their mouth feels numb.
- Lip or mouth ulcers that do not heal
- Persistent ear pain
- Having trouble swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue
- Swelling, thickening, or lumps in the neck, jaw, or mouth
Of course, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these symptoms may also signal a variety of other oral health issues besides mouth cancer. However, it is advisable to take your child to the dentist if any of these symptoms are present. Additionally, benign (non-cancerous) tumors may form in patients and necessitate surgical removal. In any case, a dentist should keep an eye on your child’s dental health to catch any conditions early and treat them.
Anything that raises a child’s chances of getting cancer is a risk factor. Although risk factors frequently affect how cancer develops, the majority do not really cause cancer. While some patients who have a number of risk factors never get cancer, others who have no known risk factors do. Knowing your own oral cancer risk factors and discussing them with your doctor may help you make better decisions regarding your child’s medical treatment.
The following are risk factors or possible causes of oral cancer in children:-
- Poor oral health:- Oral cavity cancer risk may increase if routine oral hygiene procedures are not followed and dental care is not given. Particularly in children who consume unhealthy products, poor dental health or chronic irritability from ill-fitting dentures may raise the risk of oral and cancer. Regular checkups with a dentist or dental hygienist can aid in the early detection of some oropharyngeal tumors and oral cavity cancer.
- Poor nutrition and diet:- Oral cancer risk may be increased by eating a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables as well as getting insufficient amounts of vitamin A.
- Weakened immune system:- Oral cancer is more likely to occur in children who are less healthy overall, particularly those with a weakened immune system.
Conclusion:-
Children should visit the dentist frequently for a variety of reasons, including early detection of oral cancer. Set up routine dentist checkups as a top priority to give your child the finest oral health possible.
Vithoba Oral Guide 