ORAL CANCER—FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Oral cancer afflicts more than 30,000 Americans each year. Of those, about 50% will die within five years. Oral cancer is very difficult to treat successfully in its intermediate and advanced stages. Our first defense against this potentially deadly disease lies in education, prevention and early detection.
Although oral cancers can develop at many different places inside the mouth, the tongue is the most frequent site, especially along the side borders. Oral cancers can also occur on the palate (roof of the mouth), under the tongue, or on cheeks or gums. Lips, especially the lower lip, are at significant risk of developing oral cancer, particularly for those with steady sun exposure. Men are nearly twice as likely as women to suffer from oral cancer.
Since alcohol abuse and tobacco use of any kind are the two most significant causes of oral cancer, prevention starts at home, with behavior modification aimed at tobacco cessation and moderation of alcohol consumption. Under the guidance of a physician, the side effects of quitting smoking or alcohol consumption can be moderated. For those whose lifestyle regularly involves extensive sun exposure, extra precautions, such as applying sunscreen and wearing broad-brimmed hats, can help minimize oral cancer risk. Some research suggests that diets low in fiber (fresh fruits and vegetables) increase the overall chances of incurring any form of cancer, including oral cancer.
When observing your own mouth, there are certain signs to look for that may be indicative of oral cancer. Any color changes (e.g., dark red or light-colored patches) in the soft tissues of your lips and mouth that appear for no obvious reason, and do not begin to resolve in a week or so, require further evaluation. Sores that easily bleed, do not heal, or both, should make you suspicious. Persistent raised or lumpy areas that may be rough, thickened, crusty or eroded should concern you. If these areas are sore or feel numb, you ought to be even more suspicious. Any unremitting changes in voice, speech patterns or ability to chew and swallow must be viewed with suspicion, as well as paying attention to any changes in your bite. An unexplained mass in your neck, even if asymptomatic, demands investigation.
While it is prudent to scrutinize your mouth for any of the changes listed above, this is not a substitute for an annual cancer screening conducted by a licensed dentist. Every time your dentist performs an oral examination for you, he completes such a screening. This is a necessity even if you have none of your natural teeth remaining. We advise all of our denture patients to get examinations at least once a year, even if they have no complaints about their oral condition, so we can provide this vital service for them. If any questionable changes are observed in an oral cancer screening, we now offer a simple brush swab procedure to gather a sample for testing. A computerized scan of the brushed cells determines whether surgical intervention is appropriate. If your exam should reveal any questionable findings in this regard, you will be referred to an oral surgeon whose specialized training in pathology and biopsy techniques will allow for the most comprehensive resolution of the matter.
Remember, prevention and early detection are the keys to success in the treatment of oral cancer. Be aware of any changes in your mouth, and get an oral cancer screening at least once a year.