I quit tobacco. Are tobacco-linked oral cancer risks high?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been smoking cigars and chewing tobacco for the past fifteen years. I am a 49-year-old male. I have been hearing a lot about mouth cancer lately, and I am becoming concerned.

What are the particular risks and warning indicators of oral cancer, particularly for someone like myself who has smoked for such a long time?

I am also interested in the latest developments in healthcare and treatments for head-and-neck cancer. Any guidance or insights would be very useful, as I want to be proactive in safeguarding my health.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

There are a lot of chances to develop oral cancer if you smoke cigars and chew tobacco for a long time.

I suggest you follow the instructions mentioned below:

1. Stop all the bad habits.

2. Go for a cleaning (scaling and polishing) of all your teeth to maintain your oral hygiene.

3. Go for regular checkups of your oral cavity, especially your gums, tongue, and cheek areas.

4. If the doctor finds any pre-cancerous lesions, immediately go for their medications without delay.

5. Go for restorations if any cavities are present in any of your teeth.

6. If you feel any burning sensation while eating spicy food, rush to the doctor for treatment.

Regarding recent developments, various types of diagnostic aids can help identify diseases, including computerized tomography (CT), cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), among others. In the initial stages, there are many effective treatments available, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and others.

To safeguard your health,

1. You need to quit smoking, tobacco chewing, or any other such habits.

2. Go for regular checkups, scaling and polishing, and brush and floss twice a day.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.