Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, so we wanted to inform our patients about the causes, cures, and conditions of mouth cancer, also called oral cancer. This insidious disease usually appears without symptoms, and by the time you notice symptoms, it has spread. No matter the quality of your oral hygiene routine, you can develop oral cancer but be oblivious to its presence. Only your dentist can detect it during an exam, so we recommend that all our patients who are at least 18 schedule an oral cancer screening. If you're due for an annual exam, that's an excellent time to get screened.
The screening isn't painful or invasive. Your dentist will screen you during your exam. When detected and treated early, oral cancer is very treatable. However, if it has spread to other areas, treatment becomes much more extensive and invasive. If you haven't had an oral cancer screening recently, call our Western Massachusetts office to schedule one.
Is Oral Cancer the Same as Mouth Cancer?
Yes, oral cancer and mouth cancer are the same, just different names for the same disease.
What Symptoms Should I Look For?
Mouth cancer doesn't have symptoms. You can have it for a long time but be completely unaware of the fact. However, if you notice any of the following conditions, you should contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment:
- An ulcer or sore that persists for more than three weeks
- Any area of scar-like tissue or an abnormal growth
- Any unusual lump or swelling in your head, mouth, or neck
- Any areas of red and white tissue in your mouth
Although these may be present due to other conditions, they are anomalies that should be addressed. If your dentist has concerns, they'll perform additional diagnostic work. It's better to get it checked when it's attributable to another cause than not to check it when it should have been.
Are There Causes of Oral Cancer?
Occasionally, oral cancer will have a genetic component if a first-degree relative has had it. A first-degree relative is a parent, child, or sibling. Usually, oral cancer appears due to lifestyle habits, and occasionally, there's no discernible cause for it to develop.
Those who drink immoderately and who use any form of tobacco products are at a sixfold higher risk of developing mouth cancer than those who abstain. Immoderate drinking is considered 21 or more alcoholic drinks weekly or three or more alcoholic drinks daily. Alcohol irritates the sensitive linings of the cheeks and makes them more prone to absorb toxins from other substances, such as those in tobacco products.
Those who use tobacco products are at significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer, whether they smoke cigarettes, dip, chew, vape, or use a pipe. Using any type of tobacco product increases the risk exponentially. Those who both smoke and drink can almost guarantee that they'll develop some type of oral cancer.
If your diet lacks fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, you have an increased risk of developing oral cancer, so if you want to reduce your risk factors, improve the quality of your diet. In addition, be sure to remain well hydrated so your body can remove any toxins in your system. Plain water is best for maintaining hydration.
Some types of intimate activities have been linked to the onset of oral cancer due to presence of the HPV virus, so be sure you're protected.
How Will My Dentist Diagnose Oral Cancer?
During your exam, your dentist will palpate your face, neck, lips, and mouth to check for lumps that should be there. If they notice any anomalies, they may take a tissue sample for biopsy. The palpation procedure is painless and non-invasive but is the only way to detect the presence of lumps or growths. Early detection and treatment provide the best prognosis, so make sure you have an oral cancer exam if you're at least 18. If you need an appointment, call our Western Massachusetts office, and we'll be glad to put you on the schedule.
How Is Oral Cancer Treated?
Each treatment regimen is unique to the patient. There is no standardized treatment protocol because there are too many variables. Factors that will determine your treatment protocol include the size and location of the cancer, whether it has spread to other areas or is localized, and your overall health. Your treatment team will consist of your general dentist and an oncologist, and possibly a maxillofacial oral surgeon, depending on the extent of the cancer. Treatment can be as simple as removing the cancerous tissue, or it can be very complex and require radiation and chemotherapy. Your treatment team will discuss your options with you and answer all your questions.
Targeted therapy is a newer type of treatment that precisely locates and targets only the cancerous cells, so ask your dentist about this innovative treatment.
Can Oral Cancer Be Prevented?
Oral cancer that doesn't have a genetic component can largely be prevented through lifestyle habits, although it doesn't guarantee that you'll never develop it. Some factors are beyond your control, such as being over 45 or being biologically male. However, controlling the factors you can control can make a big difference in your risk factors for developing this disease, such as:
- If you use tobacco products, quit.
- If you drink immoderately, get professional help to learn better socializing and coping habits.
- Maintain a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, and stay hydrated.
- Avoid risky behaviors and use protection.
- Get at least an annual dental exam and teeth cleaning. Semi-annual is preferable.
- If you're at least 18, get an oral cancer screening.
Pay attention to the inside of your mouth during your oral hygiene regimen and if you notice anything unusual, contact your Western Massachusetts dentist.
Need an Appointment?
If you need to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening, your annual exam and teeth cleaning, or for any other dental procedure, then call Baystate Dental at , and we can help you.
Take advantage of November's Mouth Cancer Action Month to get your mouth as healthy as possible. Since your oral health is directly linked to your physical health, you'll be doing a favor for both your mouth and your body.
Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.
