Oral Cancer
Oral
Cancer:
Oral cancer is as common as leukemia and
patients with oral cancer have a poor prognosis. While
cases of oral cancers are seen in patients who do not use tobacco, these
constitute a very small
percentage of all oral cancers. All forms of tobacco have been implicated
as causative agents
including cigarette, cigar, and pipe tobacco as well as chewing tobacco.
Heavy alcohol usage is an
additional causative factor. Lip cancer, while included in statistics for
oral cancer, is more similar
to skin cancers. Sun exposure is the primary cause of these, while pipe
smoking is also a factor.
Cancers of the mouth present in various forms. Any persistent white patch
must be regarded as
being suspicious. Additionally, velvety red patches- particularly those
with white speckles- should
be areas of concern. Finally, any non-healing ulcer (erosion) merits
evaluation. More often than
not, these areas are painless. The tongue is the most common site of oral
cancer. Typically, the
side of the tongue (farthest back in the mouth) is involved.
The
oral cavity is made up of the following parts of the mouth: the lips, the
lining of the lips and
cheeks, the teeth, the floor of the mouth under the tongue, the front
two-thirds of the tongue,
the bony top of the mouth, the gums, and the small area behind the wisdom
teeth. Oral cancer
can affect any or all of these areas. This summary will describe the risk
factors and screening
tests associated with oral cancer.
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. |
