Mouth Cancer – Symptoms, Causes & PET CT Scan

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a serious condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, gums, and inner lining of the cheeks and mouth. While globally it ranks as the 16th most common cancer, in India it holds a far more alarming position as the 3rd most prevalent cancer, largely due to factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor oral hygiene. The disease often begins in the inner lining of the mouth and can progressively spread to surrounding structures and, if left untreated, metastasize to distant organs. Early symptoms may include persistent sores, lumps, and difficulty in chewing or swallowing, and unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth. As with most cancers, early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. PET-CT scanning has emerged as a highly effective imaging tool in the early diagnosis and staging of mouth cancer, as it helps identify cancerous activity at a cellular level while also providing detailed anatomical imaging. This dual approach enables accurate localization of tumors, assessment of their spread, and planning of targeted treatment, making PET-CT an essential component in the management of oral cancer.

Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer (oral cancer) is a broad term used for the various cancers that occurs inside the mouth. It can affect any part of the mouth then spread to other parts of the mouth like lips, tongue, gums etc. Mouth is the beginning of the digestive system and plays an important role in the digestion of food. Any abnormality in the cell lining of the mouth which can lead to uncontrolled division of cells is called tumors. These tumors can spread to other parts of the mouth leading to mouth cancers. There is not any particular cause of the mouth cancer but consumption of tobacco or tobacco related products are believed to be one of the main causes of mouth cancer.  Change or mutation in the DNA of the mouth cells can disrupt the normal message encoded in the genes and can lead to uncontrolled division of cells. Mouth cancer is very common in India and have various visible symptoms like white grey patches in the mouth, raised patches, numbness of face, difficulty in swallowing etc

When a patient should go for PET CT scan to detect Mouth Cancer?

A patient can go for PET CT scan, if she suspects the symptoms of mouth cancer. Also consulting the doctor and revealing all the symptoms and medical history can help the patient whether to go for the PET CT scan or not.  Doctor can suggest the PET CT if patient will be such medical conditions:

• Leukoplakia (Flat white or grey patches in mouth or throat)
• Erythroplakia (raised and flat patches)
• Erythroleukoplakia (red and white patches in mouth)
• Mouth bleeding without reason
• Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
• Weight loss without any specific cause
• Bad breath
• Earache
• Numbness on face etc.

What are the causes of Mouth Cancer?

Consumption of tobacco and tobacco related products are considered to be the main cause of the mouth cancer. But there are various other risk factors which can be related to the causes of the mouth cancer. These risk factors include

• Cigarette smoking including cigar and pipes
• Chewing tobacco, snuff, dips etc.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Having infection of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Family history of oral / mouth cancers
• Genetic mutation in the cells lining of mouth

It is observed that in total mouth cancers around the world around 25% of people never smoke or use tobacco products. So, there are no specific causes but all adds to the risk factors which can increase the probability of having mouth cancer.

Which type of Mouth Cancers can be detected by PET CT scan?

There are different types of mouth cancers depending of the spread and involvement of cells. Different types of mouth cancers detected by PET CT scan include:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (90% mouth cancers belongs to this type)
• Verrucous Carcinoma
• Salivary Gland Tumors
• Lymphomas
• Mucosal Melanoma
• Sarcomas
• Basal Cell Carcinoma

What is Mouth PET CT scan used to show?

PET CT scan can show all types of cancer at the cellular level. CT is used to show the anatomical picture of the tumors. There are various conditions which can be shown by Mouth PET CT scan and these are:

• It helps to detect the spread of mouth cancer
• It helps to detect the t type of mouth cancer
• It helps to detect the primary origin of mouth cancer
• It helps to detect the cellular changes in the mouth cells.
• It helps to detect the design the treatment for the mouth cancer
• It is used to be done before going to any medical procedure to look for current status of the mouth cancer
• It helps to detect the recurrence of mouth cancer
• It helps to assess the impact of treatment done.

What is the procedure for Mouth PET CT Scan?

A Mouth PET-CT scan is an advanced diagnostic tool used to detect, stage, and monitor mouth (oral) cancer. It combines PET imaging, which uses a radioactive tracer like 18F-FDG to highlight abnormal cell activity, with CT imaging that provides detailed anatomical visuals. Patients are advised to fast for 4–6 hours before the scan and inform the radiologist about their medical history and any allergies. On the scan day, the tracer is injected, followed by a 1-hour rest before scanning, which takes 30–60 minutes. After the procedure, drinking plenty of water helps flush out the tracer. This scan plays a key role in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for mouth cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mouth cancer is one of the most common type of cancer with fatal consequences if not treated in time. Timing is very important in any type of cancer, detecting the cancer before metastatic stage is always a matter of luck for most of the patients. Mouth cancer is connected to various risk factors, but consumption of tobacco is considered to be the major cause of mouth cancer. There are various symptoms which indicate the chances of mouth cancer. The indications include mouth ulcers, red and grey patches, raised patches, bleeding mouth without reason etc. Early detection is the key and for that choosing the right diagnostic procedure is important. PET CT is one of the advanced diagnostic techniques which helps to detect the cancer at root level. This test not only helps in detection, it is also useful in designing treatment and effect of treatment.  PET CT has a specific diagnostic procedure to follow which includes some precautions and tests before going for scan. So, It is important to consult a doctor before going for such diagnostic procedure.