Cancer is
defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to
surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears
as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which
includes cancers of the lips, tongue,
cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and
pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
What
Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
The
most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps,
rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas
inside the mouth
- The development of velvety white, red,
or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling,
or pain/tenderness
in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
- Persistent sores on the face, neck, or
mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
- A soreness or feeling that something
is caught in the back of the throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing,
speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Hoarseness, chronic sore
throat, or change in voice
- Ear pain
- A change in the way your teeth
or dentures fit
together
- Dramatic weight loss
If you notice any
of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.
Who Gets Oral Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society,
men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are
over age 50 face the greatest risk. It's estimated that over 35,000 people in
the U.S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2008.
Risk factors for the development of oral cancer
include:
- Smoking . Cigarette,
cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to
develop oral cancers.
- Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing
tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek,
gums, and lining of the lips.
- Excessive consumption of
alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more
common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
- Family history of
cancer.
- Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.
It is important to
note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who
only drink alcohol occasionally.
What
Is the Outlook for People With Oral Cancer?
The overall 1-year
survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers
is 81%. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively.
How
Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
As part of your routine dental exam, your
dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening exam. More specifically, your
dentist will feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head,
face, and oral cavity. When examining your mouth, your dentist will look for
any sores or discolored tissue as well as check for any signs and symptoms
mentioned above.
Your dentist may perform an
oral brush biopsy if
he or she sees tissue in your mouth that looks suspicious. This test is
painless and involves taking a small sample of the tissue and analyzing it for
abnormal cells. Alternatively, if the tissue looks more suspicious, your
dentist may recommend a scalpel biopsy. This procedure usually requires local
anesthesia