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The statistics are clear.
Mouth and throat cancers will hit more than 30,000 Americans this year. Also,
according to reports, men are twice as likely to get oral cancer than females,
making the disease the sixth most common cancer for males.
Dr. Steve says that his
office usually sees a few patients each year who have either precancerous
conditions or who actually have oral cancer. He says he usually sees the
condition in patients who have a history of smoking and drinking. “Studies show
the combination of the two activities are conducive to developing oral cancer,”
he explains.
Oral cancer may not seem
common, but at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, watching for signs of the
condition is common practice – during initial visits and regular check-ups.
“We palpate, or feel, the
soft tissue of the head and neck area and do a visual exam by looking at the
base and roof of the mouth,” Dr. Steve says. “We also examine the tongue and
look for an unusual changes in tissues.”
Other signs that there may
be trouble are red lesions with jagged edges inside the mouth, he says, as well
as bumps that are an outgrowth of the tissue.
If they think a patient may
have oral cancer, they’ll refer the patient to an oral surgeon who will do a
biopsy on a skin sample.
If you do drink and smoke,
and even if you don’t, the best thing you can do to avoid developing oral cancer
is to be diligent about your dental health and maintenance. Getting regular
check-ups and dental cleanings is the first step.
The ADA says that early
detection can improve the chances of successful treatment, and as part of a
regular examination the dentist can check your oral tissues for signs of
cancerous or precancerous lesions.
But you can also take an
active role by doing self-examinations, Dr Steve says. This means looking into a
mirror and checking the lips, gums, cheek lining, tongue as well as the throat,
and floor and roof of the mouth for symptoms of the disease. |
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What
you should know
Oral cancer
kills more people nationwide than either cervical cancer or skin cancer.
Currently only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive
more than five years.
What you
should know about oral cancer:
Often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or
red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.
Occurs most often in those who use tobacco in
any form. Alcohol use combined with smoking greatly increases risk.
Still, more than 25% of oral cancers occur in
people who do not smoke and have no other risk factors.
What it
looks like
Other signs
of oral cancer can include:
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a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
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a color change of the oral tissues
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a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or
small eroded area
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pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in
the mouth or on the lips
Remember to
see your dentist regularly because in many parts of the mouth, you may not
be able to see a small spot or sore yourself. If you do notice any of the
above signs, you should call your dentist without delay.
Your
dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and
pre-cancerous conditions are identified. You and your dentist can fight
and win the battle against oral cancer. |
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Signs and symptoms to look
for include:
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a
sore that bleeds easily or does not heal;
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a
color change of the oral tissue;
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a
lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small-eroded area;
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pain,
tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips;
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difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
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a
change in the way the teeth fit together;
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a
lump or thickening in the cheek;
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a
white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth;
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loosening of the teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw; or
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swelling of the jaw.
If you
notice any of these signs or symptoms are noticed, contact your dentist
immediately for a professional examination, Dr. Steve advises.
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