Oral Cancer

A few weeks ago I noticed something strange in my mouth. Like a piece of food trapped in a crook of tissue at the very bottom of my cheek. I cleared it out with my tongue and thought nothing of it. I felt it again the next day, and then again the day after that.

At that point I had to see what was the issue, so I pulled my cheek back and looked using my phone’s flashlight. I noticed a small bleeding ulcer. I chalked it up to something I must’ve eaten that cut my gums and then probably hit it with my toothbrush, etc etc…I figured I would do warm salt water rinses and gave it a few days. 

It didn’t go away. 

I would be lying if I said I didn’t worry a little bit. I went to see a friend of mine who performed a biopsy to rule out a squamous cell carcinoma, a particularly difficult form of cancer that grows in the oral cavity. The result was negative, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude.

I also felt a renewed sense of importance for this very serious disease. One that we screen for on an annual basis at our practice. An Oral Cancer Screening (OCS) is a completely non-invasive evaluation that takes approximately 2 minutes and is completed at your routine dental hygiene visits. It consists of a visual and tactile evaluation of all the structures in the mouth, along with evaluating them under a special light that allows for the early spotting of cancerous changes.

Every piece of literature agrees that early detection leads to better outcomes. And most cancers are detected in later stages because they often grow without any outward symptoms. 

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat and it kills one American every hour. It is a serious disease that leads to life-threatening complications and extreme impairment of a pleasant life if not diagnosed and treated early. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for oral cancer.

Causes of Oral Cancer

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, including:

1. Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco is one of the primary causes of oral cancer. The chemicals in tobacco can damage the cells in the mouth and throat, leading to the development of cancer.
2. Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of oral cancer. When combined with tobacco use, the risk of developing oral cancer is even higher.
3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, especially in the oropharynx.
4. Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the risk of developing lip cancer.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms include:

1. Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks.
2. Persistent sore throat or hoarseness.
3. Red or white patches in the mouth.
4. Difficulty swallowing or chewing.
5. Swelling or lumps in the mouth or neck.
6. Numbness or pain in the mouth or tongue.

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or dentist for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor or dentist may perform a physical examination and order imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, to check for any abnormalities. A biopsy may also be performed to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

Treatment of Oral Cancer

The treatment options for oral cancer depend on the location and stage of the cancer. The primary treatment options include:

1. Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to remove the cancerous cells from the mouth or throat.
2. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells.
5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs to help the immune system fight cancer cells.

In some cases, a combination of these treatment options may be used to treat oral cancer.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, including:

1. Avoiding tobacco use: Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
2. Limiting alcohol consumption: Limiting your alcohol consumption can also reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
3. Practicing safe sex: Practicing safe sex can reduce your risk of developing HPV, which can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
4. Protecting your skin: Wearing a hat and lip balm with SPF can help protect your lips from sun exposure.
5. Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help detect any abnormalities in the mouth or throat.

In conclusion, oral cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for oral cancer, you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing this condition. If you are experiencing any symptoms of oral cancer, it is important to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.