Oral malignancy on the rise in Trichy

Trichy: Despite the caution about the possible health hazards gutka may cause to humans, several men fall for the contraband and risk their lives in Trichy.

Oral malignancy is on top of the five cancers affecting men in Trichy. The hospitals in the city record an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with oral malignancy.

"Out of the total oral cancer patients, 70% are exposed to tobacco products while 30% of them contract the diseases due to some other reasons. Sometimes, there won’t be any reason for the disease," chairman of Dr G Viswanathan CBCC Cancer Centre, Dr G Govindaraj told TOI on Wednesday.

Categorically saying that chewable tobacco is most dangerous, the doctors said that they keep the chewable tobacco between the lips and gums. It will erode the spot. Constant irritation will produce ulcer and chronic ulcer will lead to cancer.

The doctors also said that the period of exposure leading to cancer can’t be exactly defined. It depends upon the tolerance level of the cells and tissues of the people. "Non-tolerant people will be more susceptible to the disease," said Dr Govindaraj.

Complete cure for cancer can be possible only if the patient starts the treatment in the early stage. Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) the tertiary care hospital in Trichy also witnesses such cases.

Medical Oncologist Dr Arun Seshachalam from Trichy observed that addiction to the tobacco products and alcohol starts at the age of 20 to 25 years.

"Though they have the symptoms of oral cancer, they mistake it for sore in the mouth. If any sore persists for more than two weeks, they should report it to the doctors and undergo treatment," said the oncologist.

Overall, the doctors said that the primordial prevention is better than treatments in primary, secondary and tertiary level. "Though we insist on early treatment, the government should wake up and prevent the people from being exposed to the risk factors," said a government doctor requesting anonymity.