Soft palate carcinoma – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Soft palate carcinoma, also known as soft palate cancer, refers to abnormal cell growth in the cells of the soft palate in the mouth, behind the teeth.

Known risk factors and symptoms of soft palate carcinoma

There are certain genetic or environmental factors that increase a person’s likelihood of getting the disease. These include:

• Tobacco and alcohol use. These are the two strongest risk factors for soft palate carcinoma and other forms or mouth and throat cancers. In particular, tobacco smoke not only increase the risk of soft palate carcinoma, but it also affects other parts of the body such as the kidneys, bladder, and even the lungs. Moreover, at least seven out of 10 people that have oral cancers are heavy drinkers. In concert, the two can significantly increase a person’s likelihood of cancer.
• Betel quid and gutka. People in certain areas of Asia chew either betel quid (a preparation made from the betel nut, spices, lime, and other ingredients) or gutka (a similar preparation using tobacco leaves and betel quid) have an increased risk of getting soft palate carcinoma and other cancers of the mouth.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Those who have been infected with certain types of HPV are prone to develop soft palate cancer and other forms of oral cavity cancers. In particular, people who are sexually active, as well as those who engage in oral sex are more prone than others.
• Gender. Men are more likely to have cancers of the mouth and throat than women.
• Age. Those who are affected include older adults aged 55 and up.
• Poor nutrition. People who do not regularly consume fruits and vegetables are more likely to have mouth and throat cancers.
• Weakened immune systems. Having a compromised immune system – like those seen in patients of HIV/AIDS and those currently taking medication after an organ transplant, including those who were born with an immunodeficiency are more likely to develop certain cancers.
• Genetic conditions. Those with gene mutations are more likely to develop mouth and throat cancers, sometimes at an early age.
• Lichen planus. Severe cases of this rash could result in mouth and throat cancers.

For the most part, symptoms of soft palate carcinoma include the following.

• Pain or difficulty swallowing, as well as difficulty opening the mouth
• The presence of a lump in the neck or the throat
• Ear pain or otalgia
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Unexplained weight loss

Body systems affected by soft palate carcinoma

The complications of soft palate carcinoma include:

• The spread of the condition called metastasis
• Tumor growth in other areas
• Difficulty breathing because of obstructed airways

Food items or nutrients that may prevent soft palate carcinoma

Maintaining a healthy diet is a key component in preventing the onset of soft palate carcinoma and other types of cancer. Here are some recommended food items to include in your diet.

• Leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes
• Green tea
• Raspberries, grapes, avocado, grapefruit
• Tomatoes, mushrooms, beans
• Avocadoes, papaya, lemons
• Drumstick plants, flaxseed

Treatments, management options for soft palate carcinoma

There are conventional treatments available for soft palate carcinoma, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy; however, avoiding (or quitting) smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are two ways to reduce the risk of cancer. Oral hygiene is also important as this will boost treatment of the condition.

Where to learn more

• Black Raspberries Inhibit Progression of Oral Cancer
• Making Mouths Smile: Green Tea may Help Prevent Oral Cancer, Researchers Say
• Alcohol-Containing Mouthwashes Strongly Linked to Increased Oral Cancer Risk
• Mouthwash Linked to Oral Cancer, Erosion of Tooth Enamel
• Oral Cancer May be Treated with Proanthocyanidins from Medicinal Plants

Summary

Soft palate carcinoma refers to abnormal cell growth in the cells of the soft palate in the mouth.

Symptoms of soft palate carcinoma include pain or difficulty swallowing, the presence of lumps in the neck or the throat, and unexplained weight loss.

Complications of soft palate carcinoma include metastasis and tumor growth in other areas.

Maintaining a healthy diet is a key component in preventing the onset of soft palate carcinoma and other types of cancer.

Sources include:

MayoClinic.org

Cancer.org

HeadandNeckCancerGuide.org

FindATopDoc.com

SearchHomeRemedy.com

Healthline.com