1. Know the Risks of Oral Cancer
There are basically two types of oral cancer: one that starts in the mouth and the other that starts in the back of the mouth by the tonsils. Who is at a higher risk of developing oral cancer? Tobacco use contributes to most oral cancers. Quitting smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly reduce the risk. There are other risks of oral cancer, such as sun exposure to the lips, alcohol use and a history of neck or head cancer. Men are more likely than women to get oral cancer.
2. Signs of Oral Cancer Can Be Tricky
There are many sores in the mouth, so it can be tricky to know if you are a cancer risk. However, if you have a lump, swelling or sore in the mouth that won't heal, consult a doctor or dentist. Additional symptoms may include an abnormal taste in the mouth, sores or swallowing difficulties. A sore in your mouth that increases in size or has persistent pain may need checking out. Bleeding in the mouth can also be a sign. Since many of these symptoms often indicate a lesser problem, a dentist can tell if there is a cancerous risk. Speech problems can also develop if the cancer is on the tongue.
3. Diagnosis Can Be Done by a Dentist
Most oral cancers can be seen by an oral screening from your dentist. Dentists are trained to check the oral cavity, not just the teeth. A dentist can review X-rays for any abnormalities. A screening also includes a look at your lymph nodes. Let your doctor or dentist know about any tobacco use. If there are any abnormalities, the doctor will recommend a biopsy. They will make a small incision to take a sample of the tissue and test for oral cancer. There is a newer treatment called a oral brush biopsy where they can just brush some cells from the area of concern to test for cancer.
4. Prevention Is Possible to Avoid Oral Cancer
Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent oral cancer from developing too far. Dentists now check for oral cancer at regular cleaning visits and examinations. Avoid tobacco use, minimize alcohol consumption and practice good oral hygiene to prevent oral cancer. Protect your lips from cancer with frequent sunscreen in a lip balm. Also, eat a balanced diet to avoid any vitamin deficiencies.
5. Treatment Options Depend on Early Detection
Like any cancer, early detection is the key to successful treatment of oral cancer. A treatment plan will depend on if the cancer has spread to the neck or head. There are various stages of oral cancer, but tackling it in the first stages is the most effective. If the tumor is small enough, it may be surgically removed. Radiation and chemotherapy may be effective if the tumor has grown or spread.
