Tumors of Cartilage and Bone in the Oral Cavity - Research Paper Example

 Tumors of Cartilage and Bone in the Oral Cavity Introduction This paper presents an argument regarding the tumors of cartilage and bone in the oral cavity by reviewing present literature and citing their empirical findings. It discusses the signs and symptoms alongside the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of cartilage and bone in the oral cavity. One particularly challenging anatomy is that of oral cavity because there are various different kinds of tissue situated in this comparatively small region. The oral cavity starts at the lips from where it stretches backwards to the anterior portion of the tonsils. A specialized tissue termed the vermilion border, that lines the lips, begins at the anterior of the lower and upper lips. Once embedded in the mouth, this whole area is covered with a lining which is specialized to offer lubrication in oral cavity. The hard palate and the mandible – bone of upper jaw and bone of lower jaw – are also encompassed in this area and the teeth are lined along these jaws. The mouth lining becomes thick and overly this bone. However, just as other anatomy, the oral cavity can experience excessive cell growth (tumor) within it. As such, certain types of cancers associated with the oral cavity may arise. Such include cancers like that of salivary glands (example of which is mucoepidermoid carcinoma). Moreover, tumors that arises from bone and cartilage, such as malignant cartilage and benign may be witnessed in the oral cavity. Signs and Symptoms There are numerous symptoms and signs that raise alarm for the likelihood of oral cavity cancer`s presence. The one of the usual signs is the non-healing wound existing in the bottom of mouth, on the tongue or along the interior cheek. These might be painful, though in certain cases do not create significant discomfort. Again, there can be bleeding around or from the tumor area. The bleeding may be some “on and off” affair. As the wounds upsurge in size, more signs and symptoms may be seen. Complaints can include increased or fresh pain, ear pain, alteration in speech, a lump within the neck or uncoordinated swallowing. However, the most significant factor to observe is lesions in the mouth. The lesions should completely heal in three weeks even if they are associated with trauma. If they do not heal, attention ought to be sought and qualified professional need to evaluate this area. Diagnosis As part of diagnosis for the suspicious area within the oral cavity, typically completed by a professional in treatment of illnesses related to neck, head and oral cavity, a comprehensive history is taken by asking the patient for some or all of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. The professional may also seek information on the patient`s association with risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use and the family history regarding cancer. The professional will do a comprehensive physical evaluation of the area. Such evaluations will entails not just looking at the region suspicious for tumor, but also sensing the region with an instrument or a gloved finger. Examination will typically be carried out in the entire neck and head region encompassing the throat ears and nose. Specific attention will be accorded to sensing the neck to ascertain if there are symptoms of cancer stretched to the lymph nodes within the neck named metastases. As soon as the clinical inspection is concluded, recommendation can be issued to obtain a particular kind of X-ray like MRI or CT scan. These X-rays can be essential since each can offer very specific information regarding the extent of tumor. The professional might also order further CT scan or X-ray of the chest so as to determine if the diseases has spread to the lungs as one of the most common areas of spread besides the neck. At this juncture, biopsy – a piece of body tissue extracted from the alleged tumor – is always recommended. This tissue will be forwarded to a pathologist so as to ascertain which kind of cells are forming the tumor. According to Marie (2009), with tumors involving the oral cavity, such biopsies can always be done securely in the office. However, the surgeon might wish to carry out the biopsy, under anesthesia, with the patient. This enables the added advantage of the professional being able to ascertain the tumor`s size as well as which other tissues are involved. Marie (2009) adds that evaluation of the whole throat, windpipe, esophagus, and voicebox is also often advised. Once a full inspection has been concluded, including the biopsies and necessary X-rays, the tumor is normally “staged.”: this is a well-defined technique of describing the true level of the particular tumor in a patient so as to place the tumor in a particular category. This does not just assists in picking treatment choices, but also assists predict how fruitful the therapy will be. Three categories that are adopted in describing the tumor exist: N (lymph node connection), T (tumor), and M (metastasis – stretched to other regions of the body). Such a technique is termed as TNM classification system. Normally, tumors involving oral cavity are explained by their size. According to the tumor classification given in (Sandra & Alicia, 2010, pg. 171), tumors that are below 2 cm are termed T1. Similarly, tumors that are above 2 cm though below 4 cm are termed T2 while tumors that are above 4 cm are termed T3. Nonetheless, any tumor which is deeply occupying skin, bone, or other regions of the neck and head is termed T4. As for Lymph node involvement, the tumor can be branded as N1 when there is only one lymph node below 3 cm on one side as is the tumor. If one lymph node is above 3 cm but below 6 cm, or exist on an opposite side as is the tumor, or even if there are at least two lymph node present, lymph node involvement will be branded as N2. Similarly, if the lymph node is above 6 cm, it is termed N3. M0 is used to classify the tumor if there exist no proof of cancer stretched to other body parts. The M is labeled positive when there is proof of cancer stretched to tissues like bones, lungs, liver, or brain. As soon as every element of TNM classification technique is concluded, tumors are then classified into four distinct categories. That is, stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV. The first two stages are usually termed the early-stage tumors, while the last two stages are commonly termed the advanced stage tumors. As such, treatment is always dependent on the tumor stage. Advanced tumors needs advanced cures. Treatment The three major tools used for treating tumor involving oral cavity are radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy. As such, a person with tumor of cartilage and bone in oral cavity can also meet professional from medical oncology and radiation oncology. In certain cases of advanced oral cavity`s cancers, a professional in reconstructive surgery can also get involved with assisting in specialized reconstruction, if at all it will be required. Generally, Stage I and II cancers need one kind of treatment, that is, either radiation therapy or surgery, to fruitfully control the cancer. Stage III and IV cancers, however, will often need the use of radiation therapy and chemotherapy and surgery. According to the graph of cancer survival rates in (Marie, 2009, pg. 135), the survival rates for oral cavity cancer are around 55% (five-year survival for stage III and IV for oral cavity cancers). Conclusion To conclude, this paper given arguments concerning the tumors of cartilage and bone in the oral cavity by reviewing current literature and quoting their empirical findings. We have discussed the signs and symptoms as well as the diagnosis and treatment of tumors of cartilage and bone in the oral cavity. Reference Marie, P. (2009). The Influence of Patient Education by the Dental Hygienist: Acceptance of the Fluorescence Oral Cancer Exam, Journal of Dental Hygiene, vol. 83 no. 3 134-140 http://jdh.adha.org/content/83/3/134.full.pdf+html Matilda, M., Jacquelyn, L. F., & Robert, A. (2014). HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancers: A Review of the Literature, Journal of Dental Hygiene, Vol. 81, No.4. http://jdh.adha.org/content/88/4/194.full.pdf+html?sid=5bfd6597-1010-43b8-9628-4f4e352565e6 Sandra, J. M., & Alicia, L. E. (2010). A Case Study Associated with Oropharyngeal Cancer, Journal of Dental Hygiene, Vol. 84, No.4. http://jdh.adha.org/content/84/4/170.full.pdf+html?sid=fa0d7ad4-89a6-4d25-b8a1-07a7124564e0 Read More