How to Detect Oral Cancer in the Initial Stages

Spotting the early signs of mouth cancer are difficult and that is why they are easily overlooked. This kind of cancer can develop in different parts of the mouth including lips, inner cheeks, salivary glands, gums, tongue and the hard and soft palate. The symptoms can vary depending on where the cancer first develops in the mouth.

As our dentists are deeply involved in our patients’ oral health, they perform a quick oral cancer screening as part of a routine check-up if they find anything suspicious. This typically involves examining the mouth, lips, face and neck for any potential warning signs. This is another important reason to visit a dentist regularly apart from maintaining your teeth and gums healthy. To protect yourself further, you should also be familiar with the early signs of mouth cancer and its symptoms so that you can promptly consult a doctor if anything seems concerning.

Common Mouth Cancer Symptoms and How to Identify Them Early

It is important to seek medical attention if any of the below mentioned oral cancer symptoms last for more than two weeks:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent sore, irritation or thickening in the mouth or throat
• Red or white patch inside the mouth
• A sensation of something being stuck in the throat
• Hoarseness or noticeable changes in the voice
• Continuous cough that does not subside
• Trouble in chewing, swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue
• Numbness in mouth
• Swelling in the jaw or neck area
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Ear pain that does not impact hearing

By paying close attention to these symptoms and recognizing any persistent changes in your mouth, you can detect oral cancer in its earlier stages, increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Why Is Screening of Oral Cancer Essential?

Oral cancer is one of the more common head and neck cancers, and thousands of people suffer from this disease every year. The survival rate for oral cancer after five years remains 57%, i.e., only a little more than half of oral cancer patients live beyond this. Oral cancer in itself isn’t too hard to detect, but the real risk occurs when diagnoses are made too late, and therefore, fatality rates increase.

That’s why oral cancer screenings are so important. They present the best possibility for identifying the disease in its earliest stages, with treatment then being more likely to be effective and achieve the best possible result. A simple examination may be the key to catching the disease in its tracks.

Common Mouth Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Mouth cancer can develop due to a combination of lifestyle choices, environmental factors and genetic predispositions. Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors:

• Use of Tobacco
  • Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes
  • Chewing tobacco, snuff
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
  • Frequent and heavy use of alcohol increases the risk
  • Combined use of alcohol and tobacco significantly raises the chances of developing mouth cancer
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
  • Certain strains of HPV, especially HPV-16 are linked to mouth and throat cancers
  • Spread through oral sex and close skin-to-skin contact
• Prolonged Sun Exposure
  • Increases the risk of lip cancer
  • Lack of lip protection such as SPF lip balm can make exposure more harmful
• Poor Oral Hygiene and Dental Health
  • Chronic gum disease or irritation from ill-fitting dentures
  • Lack of regular dental check-ups can delay detection of early signs
• Weake Immune System
  • Conditions like HIV/AIDS or use of immunosuppressive drugs increases vulnerability to cancers including oral cancer
• Unhealthy Diet
  • A diet low in fruits and vegetables may reduce the ability of your body to fight off cancerous cell growth
  • Lack of essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin A, C, and E, may contribute to higher risk
• Family History of Cancer
  • Genetic predisposition may play a role in increasing susceptibility to mouth cancer
• Exposure to Certain Chemicals and Toxins
  • Chemicals like benzene, arsenic, and certain pesticides found in industrial workplaces can also increase cancer risk.

Understanding the mouth cancer causes and risk factors can help in taking preventive measures and making lifestyle changes to reduce the chances of developing mouth cancer.

What Are the Treatment Options for Mouth Cancer?

Treatment for oral cancer also depends on a range of factors such as if this is the mouth cancer starting stage, tumor growth rate, and your overall health. The treatment methods are mentioned below:

• Surgery – It removes cancerous tissues and may also include reconstruction for regaining function and appearance.
• Radiation Therapy – Destruction of cancer cells with the utilization of high-energy radiation. It can be performed on its own, or in association with other treatment
• Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy consists of very effective drugs with the capacity of killing cancer cells or arresting their growth. It can be supplemented with radiation for greater efficacy.
• Targeted Therapy – Aims for specific proteins or genes on cancer cells with the goal of inhibiting them from developing and causing minimal damage to your normal cell
• Immunotherapy – The treatment boosts the immune response of the human body for recognizing and fighting cancer cells more effectively.
• Combination Treatment – Many patients, based on their specific case and the way their cancer has reacted, are treated with a mix of these.

Is Mouth Cancer Curable?

This is the most important question and everyone needs its answer. Yes, mouth cancer can be treated by physicians, and this occurs when they discover it when still in its early stage. If they discover it in its initial stages, then they can cure it and stop it from spreading.

Doctors use treatment techniques discussed above such as radiation therapy, targeted treatment, surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy when necessary in order to destroy cancer cells and stop the disease from progressing. In most cases, they apply them in combination with other techniques for maximum efficacy.

The success of treatment also depends on where and when the cancer is discovered, and your overall health. Mouth cancer can be discovered earlier if you check your mouth regularly and visit your dentist for check-ups.

Conclusion

At Radiant Dental Care, we believe that treating mouth ulcer cancer depends on its earlier discovery. A significant amount of cases go undetected until too late, but regular dental check-ups can be the key. Our expert dentists are trained to identify the early signs of mouth cancer including suspicious mouth ulcers, and guide you towards treatment when needed.

Taking care of your oral health isn’t just for a dazzling smile—it’s also for protecting against such a critical disease as mouth cancer. Don’t wait. Call Radiant Dental Care today and take charge of your overall health today.

FAQs

Q. What is an oral cancer screening?

Ans.Oral cancer screening is done to look for signs of cancer in your mouth. Oral cancers include mouth cancer, jaw cancer and tongue cancer. During an oral cancer screening Cheek lining, Floor and roof of your mouth, gums, Lips, tongue and tonsils are examined.

Q. When is an oral cancer screening recommended?

Ans. Dentists do the screenings of oral cancer to find cancer before its symptoms develop. Treatment may be more successful if the detection of oral cancer is done in its early stages.

Q. Can a dentist see if you have oral cancer?

Ans. Dentists use screenings to look for signs of cancer. If they find anything suspicious, they will refer you to an oncologist for further testing, diagnosis and treatment.