Causes of palatal cancer | Palatal cancer – What you should consider

Causes of palatal cancer

There are several known risk factors that promote the development of cancer of the palate or oral cavity. Two of the most important risk factors are chronic consumption of tobacco products and chronic consumption of alcohol. With the chronic consumption of tobacco both cigarette and cigar and pipe smoking play a substantial role.

The chronic use of chewing tobacco also appears to have an increased risk of cancer in the oral cavity. With a combination of both risk factors, i.e. with chronic alcohol and tobacco consumption, the risk of developing oral cavity carcinoma increases 30-fold. If tobacco or alcohol is consumed in isolation, the risk increases about 6-fold compared to the normal population.

Another known risk factor for cancer of the palate is infection with certain viruses, the HPV viruses (Human Papilloma Virus 16).There are also indications that a very one-sided, meat-rich diet can be a risk factor for the development of oral cavity cancer. However, the two most significant risk factors are chronic tobacco and alcohol consumption. These factors can also lead to other diseases. In order to obtain detailed information about the consequences, please also see our texts on the following topics:

• Diseases caused by smoking
• Consequences of alcohol

Diagnosis of palatal cancer

Cancer in the oral cavity is first noticed by altered areas of the mucous membrane. This can be the case in one or more places. The definite diagnosis of palatal cancer is made with the help of a sample collection (biopsy).

The sample is taken from the conspicuous area of the mouth. Prior to this, a local anaesthetic is usually administered with a syringe so that the sampling does not hurt. Afterwards the sample is examined microscopically by a pathologist.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, further examinations are necessary to determine whether the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body (metastasized). For this purpose, a detailed examination of the throat, nose, mouth and larynx is performed by an ear, nose and throat specialist. As a rule, a dental X-ray examination is also carried out, during which all teeth, the jaw area including jaw joints and the maxillary sinuses are shown.

In addition, a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the mouth and neck area should be performed. Depending on the stage of palatal cancer, a CT examination of the lungs may also be necessary.