Oral cancer can appear as a permanent sore or growth in the mouth and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Oral cancer can grow within any part of the mouth including cheeks, lips, throat, tongue, sinuses and both hard and soft palates. Men over the age of 50 have the greatest risk of developing oral cancer. Some of the risk factors and causes of oral cancer include too much sun exposure, family history of cancer and excessive alcohol consumption. In addition, people who smoke have a higher risk factor than those who do not.
Some of the symptoms of oral cancer may include:
• Numbness, pain or tenderness anywhere in the mouth, face or neck area
• Persistent bleeding in or around the mouth
• Lumps, bumps or swelling in the mouth
• Sores that do not heal within two weeks
• Chronic sore throat or ear pain
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
Dentists typically conduct an oral cancer screening along with a routine dental exam. During the screening exam, the dentist will examine the mouth looking for signs of discolored tissue or sores. They will also feel for irregular tissue or lumps around the oral cavity, face, neck and head.
If any type of suspicious tissue is found, an oral brush biopsy or scalpel biopsy may be performed to check for any abnormal cell growth. This involves a sample of tissue from the suspicious area to be taken and analyzed. If any cancer is detected, the dentist will treat immediately to prevent any further progression and potential complications. The treatment of oral cancer involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and will be followed by drug treatments or radiation therapy to help eliminate remaining cancerous cells.
Self exams can be conducted by examining the mouth regularly and paying attention to any changes that may occur. To lower the risk, avoid the use of tobacco and limit alcohol consumption. Ask the dentist to perform an oral exam at each visit to receive treatment as soon as possible if any signs of oral cancer are discovered.
