According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. 132 new people in the US EVERY DAY will be newly diagnosed with an oral cancer, and that one person EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, 24/7/365 will die from it. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to talk about the risk factors, symptoms, and effects of oral cancer.
The Basics
Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important.
Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma and melanoma. Oral cancers can be found in any of the following parts of the oral cavity and maxillofacial region including: lips, mouth, tongue, salivary glands, throat, gums, and face. The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which typically originates in lip and mouth tissues.
Risk Factors
The Oral Cancer Foundation notes that young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals who have contracted HPV are the fastest growing segment of oral cancer treatments. Perhaps vaccinated against HPV during adolescence can help slow this growth.
Other risk factors include:
- Alcohol consumption
- Fair skin
- Male gender
- Marijuana use
- Poor oral hygiene
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Tobacco Use
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms
Oral cancer exams performed by a dental professional are the best way to prevent or catch oral cancer in its early stages, but it’s also important to be in tune with your mouth.
Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:
- Difficultly or painful swallowing
- Leukoplakia: a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion
- Loose teeth
- Lumps: Soreness, lumps, or the thickening of tissue
- Mouth, ear, or facial pain
- Red/white patches and sores: red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front, and sides of the tongue; white or pink patches which fail to heal; and slow healing sores that bleed easily
- Unexplained swelling or tenderness
Screening Saves Lives
On a positive note, oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. Oral cancer is usually presented by a noticeable abnormality (red patches or sores, white or gray lesions, and lumps) in the tongue, gums, mouth, or surrounding areas.
An oral cancer exam should be conducted every six months as a part of your regular dental check-up. It consists of a visual exam that scrutinizes the maxillofacial and oral regions for any pathologic changes. The dentist will feel your face, neck, and glands for any odd bumps or swelling.
In the event that oral cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be performed to access the problem area. Upon receiving an oral cancer diagnosis, the doctor will evaluate the severity and come up with a treatment plan that may include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
If you would like to schedule an oral cancer exam, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your appointment.