According to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), over half of U.S. patients survive from oral cancer after five years. If this condition is caught early enough, the chances of successful treatment are high.
Dentists look for early signs of mouth cancer during regular check-up appointments, but it's also important for you to recognise these warning signals so you can bring them to the attention of your dentist right away.
Signs and Symptoms
Mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue and throat, as well as the salivary glands, pharynx, larynx and sinuses. Since early detection is crucial in overcoming this disease, you'll want to visit your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms persist for more than two weeks:
Sores, swellings, lumps or thick patches anywhere in or around your mouth or throat
- Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
The feeling of a lump or object stuck in your throat
Swellings that make wearing dentures uncomfortable
Numbness, pain or tenderness anywhere in your mouth, including your tongue
Pain in one of your ears (but without any loss of hearing)
Trouble moving your jaw or tongue, or problems with chewing, swallowing or speaking
Loose teeth with no apparent dental cause
Lingering sore throat or hoarseness
How It Occurs
Although the exact cause of oral cancer is unclear, there are certain lifestyle factors that can put someone at risk of this disease. Tobacco of any kind – cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco – increase your risk of oral cancer. In fact, the Mouth Cancer Foundation reports that 90 percent of people with oral cancer consume tobacco. Heavy use of alcohol also increases a person's chances of developing oral cancer, and the NIDCR says your risk is even higher when using both tobacco and alcohol.
In addition to tobacco and alcohol, age and eating habits can influence your risk. Most oral cancers occur in people over the age of 40, and a diet that is deficient in fruits and vegetables can make it easier to contract. Keep in mind that sun exposure can cause cancer on the lips. More recently, there has been a rise in a subset of oral cancers associated with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV 16).
Oral Cancer Screening and Treatment
Oral cancer examinations by your dentist are quick, painless and crucial to detecting the cancer in its early stages. The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that, during a routine check-up of your teeth and gums, your dentist also visually checks your lips and face for signs of spreading beyond your mouth. He or she may also palpate the neck and jaw area, and examine both the top and underside of your tongue. These oral cancer screenings should be done every six months.
A dentist who suspects cancer will recommend a biopsy of the area, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). With a positive diagnosis, surgery may be needed to treat the affected area, and often this surgery is followed by radiation and chemotherapy treatment.
Your Best Option
When in doubt, seek prevention! You should already be practising daily oral hygiene to prevent tooth cavities and gum problems: brushing regularly with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily and limiting the intake of sweets. But by regulating certain lifestyle choices – smoking, alcohol use and sun exposure, for example – you can significantly lower your risk of developing oral cancer.
Ultimately, if you know what to look for and see your dentist for regular screenings, early signs of mouth cancer can be identified and taken care of before they become a serious problem.