The Importance of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the lips or oral cavity. A dentist can diagnose a patient with this form of cancer and prescribe an appropriate course of treatment. If it is caught early, the survival rate can be as high as 80%. However, if the condition is allowed to progress, survival rates drop dramatically, and oral cancer is often fatal.

The most common symptoms of oral cancer include lesions or the thickening of the tissue in the mouth. Other symptoms may also include lumps, white or red patches on the tongue and/or mouth, difficulty swallowing, chronic sore throat, bleeding sores, unexplained weight loss, and ear pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to visit a dentist for an exam as soon as possible. Early detection is key to increasing survival rates.

Some risk factors for oral cancer are smoking tobacco products, excessive alcohol use, a family history of the disease, being over the age of 40, having the HPV virus, and having poor oral hygiene. It is important to limit your exposure to risk factors to avoid developing this condition. Regular checkups with a dental provider can also detect precancerous conditions that may be reversible if treated early enough.

Although there is no specific cure for oral cancer, there are treatments that can be used to rid the body of cancerous cells. These include radiation therapy, surgery to remove the cancerous parts, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches. In more advanced cases, patients may also receive palliative care to manage pain and other symptoms associated with the disease.

Who Is At Risk?

Patients who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer include those with the following risk factors:

• Smoking cigarettes or cigars
• Heavy alcohol use (more than two drinks per day)
• Chronically dry mouth due to medications or certain medical conditions
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the throat
• HPV-related head and neck cancers are commonly associated with tobacco use and alcohol consumption, but they can also be caused by other factors such as diet, genetics, and environmental exposure.
• Age over 40
• History of oral precancerous lesions

It’s important to note that these are only some of the factors that can increase your risk of oral cancer—and that not everyone who experiences one or more of these factors will develop the disease. That’s why it’s important to discuss any concerns you have about your oral health with your dentist at your next visit. This will help them identify any potential warning signs and recommend an appropriate course of action.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

At Mission Creek Family Dentistry, we conduct a visual and tactile examination to check for signs of cancer, infection, or any other abnormalities in the gums or surrounding tissues. We will also use the Velscope® light to detect abnormal tissue that may indicate the presence of cancerous cells. This painless process typically only takes a few minutes to complete. Although there are no known symptoms of oral cancer, patients should schedule regular exams with our dentist and their knowledgeable team for peace of mind.

If we notice one or more areas of concern during the oral cancer screening, we will talk to you about treatment recommendations to help you maintain your oral and overall health and well-being. In some cases, we may recommend additional screening with a biopsy to confirm the presence of a harmful substance before recommending a treatment plan.

If you are concerned about your risk of oral cancer, visit Mission Creek Family Dentistry at 9460 Cuyamaca St #101, Santee, CA 92071. Contact us at (619) 596-1128 or schedule an appointment online.