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Oral Cancer: The Epidemic India needs to Tackle

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India has a rapid rise in oral cancer cases. It holds a significant share in the global burden of oral cancer.

90 percent of oral cancer is diagnosed in regular tobacco users.

The traditional use of betel quid, gutkha, and betel nut as a stimulant raises concern.

Aggressively marketed and advertised, it is widely used in children and adults alike.

What is oral cancer? 

It is the cancer of the cells in the mouth. It involves the cancer of the –

Oral cavity, lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of cheeks, upper roof of the mouth, and lower surface of the mouth.

Oral cancer symptoms – 

  • persistent ulcers in the mouth
  • Pain in the mouth
  • A mass or lump in the mouth
  • Patches in the mouth
  • Inability to swallow
  • Weight loss
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • A persistent sore throat
  • A lump or thickening in the lip
  • Pain in the ear
  • Unusual bleeding

What increases oral cancer risk?

  • Use of tobacco – Tobacco contains cancer-causing elements that increase the risk of cancer.
  • Alcohol use –Alcohol increases the irritation of the mouth lining and the risk of cancer.
  • Exposure to the sun– UV radiation causes cancer and increases the risk of lip cancer.

It is the cancer that affects the squamous cells of the lips.

  • Human papillomavirus –

It harms the inner lining of the mouth. It causes mouth cancer.

It can be transmitted through unsafe sex.

  • A weak immune system– An infection or the treatment that lowers body immunity, increases the risk of opportunistic infections, and the risk of cancer. HIV infections / AIDS and other chronic diseases.

Treatment for oral cancers 

  • Surgery – It involves the removal of the cancerous part.
  • Radiation therapy- The high-intensity radiation is projected on the target tumor externally.

The radiating source can also be placed inside the body.

  • Immunotherapy – The drugs increase the immune activity. It identifies and kills cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapy – The drugs target the specific cell or the enzymes. It inhibits cancer cell proliferation or growth.

Anticancer Medicines used in Oral Cancer  

  • Cycokast (Cisplatin injection ) and Carbokast (Carboplatin injection)
  • Docekast (Docetaxel injection ) and Paclikast (Paclitaxel injection )
  • Aprahydra (Hydroxyurea injection )
  • Capekast  (Capecitabine injection )
  • Trexazer (Methotrexate injection )
  • 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)

Can we prevent Oral Cancer?

The use of tobacco and alcohol increases cancer risk notably.

Various modifiable lifestyle risk factors –

  • Avoiding tobacco
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Good oral hygiene
  • Healthy diet
  • Exercise

Aprazer Healthcare – The Oncology Injectable Manufacturer 

As the largest Indian pharmaceutical company, Aprazer Healthcare is a significant player in the oncology drug manufacturing sector.

We are the top manufacturers and suppliers of anticancer drugs.

We offer a wide range of generic anticancer injections/orals for domestic and international markets.

Using advanced manufacturing techniques for liquid/powder injections, Aprazer Healthcare is the largest oncology injectable manufacturer.

We are a fast-growing pharmaceutical company with a significant share in the oncology drug market, manufacturing affordable medicines.