According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an
asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily
noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the
dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic
types such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma and melanoma. The most common type
of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer
type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.
There are many different places in the oral cavity and
maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:
•
Lips
•
Mouth
•
Tongue
•
Salivary
Glands
•
Oropharyngeal
Region (throat)
•
Gums
•
Face
Reasons for oral cancer examinations
It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral
cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and
excessive alcohol consumption. Your dentist can provide literature and
education on making lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.
When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages,
treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in
the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health
professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the
dentist and dental hygienist will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral
regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine
oral cancer exam:
•
Red
patches and sores –
Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white
or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can
be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes.
•
Leukoplakia – This is a hardened white or gray,
slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia
can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.
•
Lumps –
Soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or
mouth can signal pathological problems.
Oral cancer exams, diagnosis and Treatment
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless
process. During the visual part of the examination, the dentist will look
for abnormality and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps.
Lasers which can highlight pathologic changes are also a wonderful tool for
oral cancer checks. The laser can “look” below the surface for abnormal
signs and lesions which would be invisible to the naked eye.
If abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia or lumps are
apparent, the dentist will implement a diagnostic impression and treatment
plan. In the event that the initial treatment plan is ineffective, a
biopsy of the area will be performed. The biopsy includes a clinical
evaluation which will identify the precise stage and grade of the oral lesion.
Oral cancer is deemed to be present when the basement
membrane of the epithelium has been broken. Malignant types of cancer can
readily spread to other places in the oral and maxillofacial regions, posing
additional secondary threats. Treatment methods vary according to the
precise diagnosis, but may include excision, radiation therapy and
chemotherapy.
During bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will
thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth, but a dedicated
comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each
year.
If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer,
please ask your dentist or dental hygienist.
