Understanding The Causes And Risk Factors Linked To Mouth Cancer

Excessive Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure to an individual's face and neck regions can cause them to be at an increased risk of developing mouth cancer. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun comes in two forms that can cause the development of malignancy on an individual's lips. UVA rays are able to penetrate deep into the dermis of an individual's lips. This penetration results in suppression of immune activity, on top of the stimulation of cellular genetic damage and photo-aging process. UVB rays are able to penetrate into the epidermis and severely damage all parts of the epidermal cells, including the individual's DNA. The body first attempts to repair the cellular damage that occurs as the result of UVA and or UVB radiation exposure, but may be unable to do so in some instances.

During the process to repair this damage, occasional mistakes occur. When the body is unable to repair the damage, obstruction of the RNA and DNA synthesizing mechanisms can introduce incorrect portions into the cellular DNA. These mistakes can cause a mistranscription or mutation in the cellular DNA. It is this inappropriate enunciation or complete loss of the affected genes compounded over time that results in the development of malignancy. Cancer on the lips spreads easily into the mouth, while cancer on the neck and throat skin can proliferate into oral tissues.

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