Oral cancer is an abnormal growth or a sore that appears in the mouth and does not disappear. It is a result of changes in cell DNA. These changes tell the cell to continue growing and dividing when healthy cells die. Accumulation of these abnormal cells forms a tumor. Oral cancer can occur in:
Lips- Tongue
- Cheeks
- The floor of the mouth
- Hard and soft palate
- Sinus
- Pharynx.
Signs and Symptoms
Most oral cancers spread to lymph nodes before their discovery. It is essential to have a regular dental checkup or monthly self-examinations. Signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A sore on the mouth that is not healing
- A growth or lump inside your mouth
- A mouth pain
- Painful tongue
- Ear pain
- A pain when swallowing
- A patch inside your mouth that may appear red or white.
Risk Factors
Risk factors often influence the development of oral cancer, but they do not directly cause cancer. Knowledge of risk factors will help you make informed lifestyle choices. The risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Gender: men are at a higher risk than women.
- Age: although oral cancer may affect younger people, it is more common in older people over 55 years of age.
- Tobacco use: – this includes smoking and chewing smokeless tobacco.
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Excessive exposure to the sun
- Genetics
Screening by a dentist
including your gums, inner cheeks, back of your throat, and lymph nodes.
If your dentist finds any growth or suspicious lesion, they will perform a brush or a tissue biopsy to check for cancer cells.
Your dentist might perform more tests to see if cancer has spread to other tissues or other parts of the body. Such tests include;
- X-rays
- CT scan
- PET scan
- MRI
- Endoscopy
Treatment
The treatment of oral cancer is dependent on its stage. Your doctor may suggest surgery to remove the tumor for early-stage cancer, followed by targeted radiation therapy to clear any remaining cancer cells.
Other treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and proper nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Getting regular oral checkups for oral health and early diagnosis is vital. Please contact one of our offices, Holland Rd: (757) 431-1300 • Landstown: (757) 431-2200 or request an appointment online if you have any questions or concerns about dental health. At Gentle Dental Center, we are eager to help you enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile — as well as newfound confidence at work, play, and home.
