In 2022, an approximate 54,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with oral cancer, and about 11,000 Americans died of the illness that same year. Oral cancer can be a very fast spreading disease, and can appear in the lips, tongue, cheeks, hard palate, floor of the mouth, and even the gums. Where it is located and the type of cancer all play a role in how quickly it can spread as well as how survivable it will be. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of cancer, as well as the fastest growing.
Because of the rapidity in which this type of cancer grows, early detection is key. But while it can be difficult to tell if you have any type of oral cancer, your periodontist provides regular oral cancer screenings at your biannual exam and cleaning appointments. Here’s why it’s important to see them regularly, and some important oral cancer warning signs that could save your life.
Diagnosing Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can appear in many places throughout the mouth and throat. Warning signs that could indicate cancer include:
- Thickening or lump on the cheeks, lips, or mouth
- Oral pain that does not go away
- Red or white patch on the tongue, tonsils, gums, or inside the cheeks
- Feeling like something is caught in the throat
- A sore on the lips or mouth that will not heal
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Persistent sore throat
- Loosening of teeth
- Jaw pain or swelling
- Numbness of the lips, tongue, or other areas of the face
- Voice changes
- Dentures that begin fitting poorly or become uncomfortable
- Ear pain
- A lump or mass in the back of the neck or throat
- Unexplained weight loss
Causes of Oral Cancer
It is important to understand that even if you do have any of the following risk factors this does not mean you will develop oral cancer, nor do you need to have any of them for it to appear. Common risk factors include:
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
- Alcohol and/or tobacco use
- Sun exposure
- Age (typically after age 40)
The Dangers of Oral Cancer
Another danger of oral cancer beyond the injury at the initial site of the cancer itself is that much like other types of cancer, it can spread to nearby and even far away organs, including the lungs and lymph nodes. Thankfully, treating it quickly can help prevent this from happening.
How is Oral Cancer Treated
Oral cancer can be treated in several different ways, depending on its location, what type of cancer it is, and how far it has spread. Common treatments include:
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Targeted drug therapy
- Immunotherapy
Oral Cancer Outlook
The survival rate of oral cancer also depends on many factors, including how advanced it is, where it is located, the size of the tumor, and if it has spread. Early detection increases your odds of survival, which is why it is so important to see your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings, which are included in your periodontist’s biannual exam and cleaning appointments.
Remember, oral cancer doesn’t have to be deadly. With early screening and intervention, it is very survivable, but it can often be difficult for the average person to notice the warning signs in their own mouth. Thus, to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong and to help screen for potentially life-threatening illnesses like oral cancer, don’t skip your biannual periodontal exam and cleaning. It could save your life!
About Our Practice
At Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists, we are dedicated to your gum health, including screening each of our patients for oral cancer. The great news about oral cancer is that with early detection and intervention, it can be quite curable, but seeing your periodontist regularly for diagnosis is an important key to staying healthy, not just in your teeth and gums, but in your entire body.
If you are due for an exam, or if you notice any troubling symptoms that could be an indicator of oral cancer or another problem, please contact our office today for an appointment. You can reach us via our website, or give us a call at 719-574-4867.