What
is oral cancer?
It is a malignant growth that can occur in any part of the mouth,
including the tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancers have a higher
proportion of deaths per number of cases than breast cancer, cervical
cancer or skin melanoma. The mortality rate is just over 50% per
year, despite treatment. This is because of late detection.
How serious or common is oral cancer?
Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer, is as common as leukemia;
accounts for big percent of all cancers diagnosed the world over.
The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 40
years, with men being twice as likely as women to develop the disease.
The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of
the mouth, and soft palate tissues in back of the tongue, lips,
and gums.
Some warning signs for cancer:
Early signs of mouth cancer can be something as simple as a mouth
ulcer that won't go away. If you are a heavy smoker or drinker,
you are more likely to be at risk, so you need to be especially
watchful of changes in your mouth. If not diagnosed and treated
in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic
pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement
following surgery, and even death. Your general dentist can perform
a thorough screening for oral cancer.
Screening for cancer:
If you have a mouth ulcer which lasts for more than two weeks, or
red, white or discolored lesions, patches or lumps in or around
the mouth-is typically painless in its early stages. As the malignant
cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or
lumps become more painful. If you notice a swelling or growth or
lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck that doesn’t go
down after a couple of weeks, go and see your dentist. More quickly
so if there is repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat; difficulty
swallowing or persistent hoarseness. It may be nothing, but that
simple check-up could just save your life.
You won't be wasting your dentist's time if you're worried about
an ulcer or a sore patch in your mouth. Remember, half of those
diagnosed with mouth cancer die from the disease because it wasn't
caught early enough.
Oral cancer treatment:
If your dentist suspects oral cancer, a biopsy of the lesion is
required to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is required to remove
the tumors, which may cause disfiguration. Radiation therapy may
be used as part of the treatment.
Radiation is used to kill cancer cells but it can harm normal cells
also leading to problems with your teeth and gums; the soft, moist
lining of your mouth; glands that make saliva and jaw bones. These
side effects can:
Hurt or make it hard to eat, talk and swallow.
You have a higher incidence of getting an infection that can be
dangerous when you are receiving cancer treatment.
You may have to cut back on treatment or even stop it due to these
side effects.
Mouth problems from radiation are:
Dry mouth
Loss of taste
Candidiasis
A lot of cavities
Sore mouth and gums
Infections
Jawbone changes
Jaw stiffness
Poor wound healing
Nutritional deficiencies leading to malnutrition
So check your mouth Every Day.
Before OralCDx, these common white or red spots were often thought
to be too harmless-appearing to test. Studies show that the dental
team should see about 2 spots each week that look like these*. All
of these harmless-looking lesions were confirmed as precancers or
cancers.
Examples: White Lesions
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Examples: Red and Mixed Lesions
1
2
3
4
5
6
Examples: Ulcerated Lesions
1
2
3
4
Based on 40 new or recall patients/dentist/week
and
1) Burzynski NJ, Firriolo FJ, Butters JM, Sorrell CL. J Cancer
Educ 1997; 12:95-9
2) Bouquot JE. J Am Dent Assoc 1986; 112:50-7
3) Malaovalla AM, Silverman S, Mani NJ, Bilimoria KF, Smith
LW. Cancer 1976; 37:1882-6
You can reduce your risk of mouth cancer quite simply. If you stop
smoking, cut down on your alcohol intake and make sure you eat a
healthy diet with at least five portions of fruit and vegetables
every day, you can dramatically reduce the risks. Survival rates
greatly increase the earlier oral cancer is discovered and treated.
Visit your dentist at once if you notice any abnormal
problems or are not sure. Six-monthly dental checkups allow early
detection!
Research suggests that eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may
safeguard against oral cancer. Because successful treatment and
rehabilitation are dependent on early detection, it is extremely
important to see your dentist for an oral cancer screening and regular
checkup at least every six months. During your next dental visit,
ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening.
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Statutory Warning: The information is intended
to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures and should
not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation. The general
information provided here is not a substitute for a consultation with the
dentists. Only personal discussion of your individual needs with a professionally
qualified doctor / dentist will determine the best method of treatment suitable
for you.
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What
is oral cancer?
