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ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth (tongue and oral tissues) as well as the pharynx (back of the throat). While oral cancer only accounts for around 2% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States, the death rate for oral cancer is much higher than that of other cancers. Yearly, over 8,000 individuals die from oral cancer--this is roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours a day.

 

RISK FACTORS

Tobacco and Alcohol Use Tobacco use of any kind (chewing, cigarettes, etc.) as well as heavy alcohol use increases your chance of developing oral cancer. Using both tobacco and alcohol together increases the risk more than using either of the two substances alone.

 

HPV Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus has been linked to oral cancer formation.

 

Age Risk of developing oral cancer increases with age and most often occurs in those over the age of 40.*

 

Sun Exposure Frequent or prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of developing cancer of the lip.

 

Diet Diets low in fruit and vegetables may play a role in development of oral cancer.

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

In the early stages, oral cancer can easily go unnoticed; it can be painless and difficult to visualize. However, if you have any of the following symptoms for more than 14 days, it is important to see a dentist or medical doctor.

 

  • A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip or throat

  • A white or red patch in your mouth

  • Feeling that something is caught in your throat

  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

  • Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue

  • Numbness in tongue or other areas of mouth

  • Swelling in jaw

  • Pain in one ear without hearing loss

 

Some harmless sores in the mouth may mimic something horrible to you at first glance. Take note of any changes to the appearance of your oral tissues and monitor them for a period of 14 days before seeking medical advice. If the lesion or sore is non-cancerous, it will go away within this time period.

 

THE ORAL CANCER EXAM

The discovery of oral cancer in the early stages is vital to the success of treatment. Oral cancer screenings both at the dental office and at home can help to note any discrepancies or areas of concern that may not be noticed during daily routines.

 

In the Dental Office: Oral cancer screenings done in the dental office only take a few minutes and have the potential to save your life. The exam is painless and easily done by either a dentist or dental hygienist. While a thorough oral cancer screening can be completed by a dental provider with just a mirror and gauze, some dental offices may use fluorescence technology such as the Velscope to examine fluorescence patterns in the oral tissues.

 

At Home: Though not as thorough as an exam done by a dental professional, performing regular oral cancer self-exams at home is simple and will aide in early detection of any oral cancer.

To perform an at home oral cancer exam, look at and feel your:

  1. Face- Normally both sides of the face are same in size and are symmetrical. Look for any swelling, lumps or bumps that are only on one side of the face. Examine your skin for any changes to color or size, sores, moles or growths.

  2. Neck- Firmly press along the sides and front of your neck, feel for any tenderness or lumps.

  3. Lips- Examine both the inside and outside of lips for any sores or color changes. Using your thumb and pointer finger, gently pinch your lips feeling for any lumps, bumps or changes to texture.

  4. Cheek-Examine the inside of your cheeks for any red, white or dark patches. Gently roll each cheek between fingers (index finger on inside, thumb on outside) checking for lumps or areas of tenderness.

  5. Roof of Mouth- Tilt your head back and open wide to look for any lumps or color changes. Use a finger to press on the roof of your mouth to feel for any lumps.

  6. Tongue-Stick out your tongue and examine the top for any changes to color or texture. Check each side of the tongue for swelling or color change. Stick the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth to check the underside for any color changes then using a finger, press against the underside of the tongue to feel for any lumps or swelling.

 

TREATMENT

The current most common treatment of oral cancer is the surgical removal of tumors. Chemotherapy and radiation are also potential treatments depending on the type and stage of oral cancer.

 

open mouth

* Historically, oral cancer has most commonly affected those over the age of 40. However, in recent years this demographic has been shifting with oral cancers being diagnosed more frequently in those under the age of 40.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

National Institutes of Health-Oral Cancer

National Institutes of Health-Oral Cancer Exam, What to Expect

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