Mouth Cancer
What
is Mouth Cancer?
Cancer of the mouth, or "oral cavity",
includes that extending back as far as behind the last molar
("wisdom tooth"). This would include the area behind the lips, gums,
inside of the cheeks, palate,
and front 2/3 of the tongue. The tonsils and back of the tongue are
further back, and are located
in the "oropharynx". Thus, cancers of areas behind the last molar are not
considered "mouth
cancer". Also, cancers of our 3 major salivary glands (parotid,
submaxillary, sublingual) are
considered separately, as well as those of the jaw bones and muscles.
Therefore, it is important to
identify the area the cancer arose from, even if it subsequently spread to
other areas. It is this
area it originally arose from which determines what type of cancer it is.
The mouth is an amazing machine for speech and eating, it actually starts
the process of
digestion. Normally good mouth hygiene ensures healthy teeth, and a
lifetime of trouble free
chewing (the muscles of the jaw are the strongest of the body).
Occasionally people develop a
cancer in the mouth. From a cancer doctor perspective, the mouth is
anything forward of the last
molar, up to the lips. This includes the part of the tongue we see in the
mirror, the hard palate,
and the inside of the cheeks. Anything behind the last molar is called
"oropharynx" and is a
different area which includes the tonsils and base of tongue. The
treatment for cancers in these
areas are different. It is critical to get prompt diagnosis and proper
treatment for a mouth cancer
problem, this can make the difference between mutilating surgery or an
excellent cosmetic result,
or even life and death.
What is
“Cancer” Insurance?
Cancer insurance provides benefits only if you get cancer.
If yes, then Cancer policies sold today
vary widely in cost and coverage. If you decide to purchase a cancer
insurance policy, contact
different companies and agents, and compare the policies before you buy.
Cancer insurance is
sometimes referred to as a specified disease or dreaded disease policy.
It is also necessary if you
are considering the purchase of cancer insurance or other specified
disease type coverage, it is a
good idea to carefully review your current health insurance policies.
Before going for cancer
insurance you should make it clear from agent or company that all
expenses will be covered by
policy or only hospital costs will be bared by cancer insurance policy.
Many cancer insurance
policies have fixed cost limits. Cancer insurance is not a substitute for
comprehensive coverage. |
