Cancer can be a life-changing problem. Here’s how to look for risks and possible signs.

Oral cancer is the 6^th most common type of cancer, accounting for about 5% of all cancer cases. Every year, over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer. It causes nearly 10,00 deaths a year, and accounts for about 1 death every hour in the USA. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to detect it, prevent it, and hopefully, be oral cancer free.

Oral cancer causes

Oral cancer can happen spontaneously, without any previous risks. However, the vast majority of cases are caused by two prime factors: excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use. What can you do to prevent oral cancer besides abstaining from heavy drinking and smoking?

General prevention tips

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Your dentist’s job isn’t just to make sure your teeth are healthy and white. Your dentist will also take a look in your mouth to look for unusual growths, discolored spots, and more.
• If you are worried or at-risk, ask your dentist for an oral cancer exam. During this procedure, your dentist will look at abnormalities you may have in your mouth.
• Preteen boys and girls (ages 11-12) should be vaccinated for HPV. HPV is also known as the Human Papilloma Virus. It can cause sexually transmitted diseases and oropharyngeal cancer. Additionally, use of contraceptives such as dental dams and condoms lower the risk of contracting this disease.
• Let your dentist know about your medical history. This includes previous exposure to HPV and other STDs that can be spread orally.

Signs and symptoms of oral cancer

• Sores or ulcers within the mouth that do not heal within 2 weeks.
• Black, red, or white discolored areas in the soft tissues of the mouth.
• Any bleeding abscess or abnormality within the mouth. If it does not bleed freely on its own, it may bleed easily when touched. This is known as a friable.
• Hard spots in tissues within the mouth. These indurations are normally found around the tongue.
• Growths and raised tissue in the mouth. Also known as an exophytic.
• A sore under a denture, especially if that sore does not heal.
• Thickening area or lump developing within the mouth.
• A lump on the outside of the neck that has lasted for 2 weeks or more. It will be painless and firm.
• If any of the symptoms listed above persist for more than 2 weeks without resolving, make an appointment with your dentist immediately.

Oropharyngeal cancer

This is a cancer of the oropharynx, in the middle part of your throat. It is signified by any one of various symptoms that lasts for several weeks:

• A persistent sore throat or hoarseness.
• Lump in the throat, mouth, or neck.
• Coughing up blood.
• White patch in the mouth.
• A painless swollen tonsil on only one side.
• A persistent cough not resolving after a long period.
• Difficulty swallowing and the feeling of food not going down your throat properly.
• An earache on only one side lasting more than several days.

Again, call your dentist immediately if you have persistent symptoms mentioned above.

For more info about the dangers of oropharyngeal cancer, the CDC has a comprehensive web page.

Treatment of oral cancer

Exam

Treatment begins with examining the suspect tissue. After you have identified an abnormality in the mouth, visit a dentist or other health professional.

Biopsy

This process is the removal of the suspect tissue for testing. Either a cutting tool or needle will be used to remove the tissue, which will then be sent to a lab for testing. The tests will look for cancerous or precancerous cells.

Diagnosis

If cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will examine your mouth to find its extent. This may be done with a small intraoral camera. The test may also be done with imaging such as x-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT ( computerized tomography), or PET (positron emission tomography) scans.

Treatment

Treatment of cancer is pretty tough. It’s often a harrowing procedure for anyone involved, unless it is discovered in the earliest stages of development.

Radiation therapy

This procedure uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery but may be used alone.

Chemotherapy

Just like it sounds, chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Side effects include vomiting, nausea, and hair loss.

Targeted drug therapy

These drugs focus on cancer cells and their aspects fueling growth. This therapy is often combined with  chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Immunotherapy

Generally reserved for patients not responding to other types of therapy, this process stops the cancer cells from making certain proteins. The proteins blocked are proteins that blind the body’s immune system and prevent them from attacking cancer cells.

Schedule an oral cancer screening

If you are concerned, or have some risks for oral cancer, don’t wait to schedule a screening. Cancer caught early is the best option, second only to avoiding it altogether in the first place. If you need an oral cancer screening, or any general dentistry in Carrollton Texas, then Josey Lane has got you covered. Send us a message today to find out what we can do for you.