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Cancer And The Floor Of The Mouth

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Cancer of the floor of the mouth occurs when cells under your tongue become abnormal and start to grow out of control. This usually starts in very thin, flat cells that line the surface of your mouth (squamous cells). Cancer cells can spread and form a mass of cells called a tumor. The cancer may spread deeper into the floor of the mouth, or it may spread to other areas of the body (metastasize).

RISK FACTORS
The exact cause of cancer of the floor of the mouth is not known, but there are a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of getting cancer of the floor of the mouth. This condition is more likely to develop in:
• People who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. Tobacco use is the number one risk factor of cancer of the tonsils.
• Men.
• People who are older than 50 years.
• People who drink alcohol excessively.
• People with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• People with poor oral hygiene (not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly).

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
• A lump or an open sore (ulcer) on the floor of your mouth that does not heal and may be painless.
• A white or red patch on the floor of your mouth. This might show up before an ulcer appears, or it might be next to an ulcer.
• Pain in your mouth or ear.
• Bad breath.
• Loose teeth. If you wear dentures, they may be painful or no longer fit.
• Bleeding in your mouth.

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