Early Detection Leads to Successful Treatment
Most of us have a general fear of the word cancer, but most forms of cancer, including oral cancers, are curable if diagnosed and treated early. Awareness of potential risks and knowing the proper way to evaluate unusual changes in your mouth will help you detect problems earlier and manage them more efficiently, giving you greater control of your health and your mental well-being. Regular visits to your dentist can prevent the need for emergency visits due to advanced forms of oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
The term oral cancer describes cancers that arise within the mouth itself or its surrounding tissue. These tumors occur in or on the lips, tongue, cheeks (bucca), gums (gingiva), base of the mouth (floor), roof of the mouth (palate) or on the pharynx inside the throat. Sometimes they begin as non-healing sores, spots, nodules, or redness at a particular site within the oral cavity.
Oral cancer affects individuals from a wide variety of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and across virtually all ages. An individual is more at risk for the following reasons:
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol use
- Presence of human papilloma virus (HPV)
Even in the absence of these risk factors, oral cancer can occur. Therefore, regular professional dental screenings are very important for all individuals and ages.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Oral cancer starts subtly and is almost invisible in its early stages, which is one reason it often gets overlooked. A minor change in the oral environment should always be discussed with your dentist. Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- A sore that does not heal
- Thickening of the skin
- Presence of a hard bump or rough spot
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Pain while eating/chewing/swallowing
- Numbness in the lips/mouth
- Prolonged sore throat/hoarseness
- A persistent cough
- Feeling like there’s something stuck in the throat
- Loose teeth without an obvious cause
If any of these symptoms last longer than two weeks, you need to see a dental professional as soon as possible.
Detecting Oral Cancer
Detection at regular dental examination leads to the early diagnosis and successful treatment of oral cancer. During an exam, a dentist painlessly examines your soft tissues for any abnormalities. This includes areas around the base of your tongue, along your cheeks, and toward the rear of your mouth.
Any unusual changes in your soft tissues are examined closely using additional diagnostic tools. We may take a biopsy or refer you to a specialist. Early identification is essential for effective management or oral cancers and often leads to a good prognosis.
Oral Cancer Treatment
Treatment for oral cancer depends on the location, size, and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include surgical removal of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or combinations of these. Treatment decisions are made on an individual basis, taking into account each patient’s medical status and personal needs.
A Caring Dental Team
If you are concerned about symptoms you are experiencing or have questions about your oral health, we invite you to seek experienced and compassionate care at the Placerville Dental Group. Our full-service team provides everything from preventive care to restorative care, emergency dentistry, and more, all with the goal of protecting your oral health at every stage of life. Contact us today!
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