At least once a year all our patients get a comprehensive exam looking for anything unusual in or around their mouth.  Of course we are looking for the the usual suspects of tooth decay, cracks, chips, grinding, gum disease, staining, tooth movement and failing restorations but we also take a moment to carefully examine the soft tissues of the mouth for any “Lumps, bumps or irregularities”.  This oral cancer screening is something we do on all our patients, not just those at high risk of oral cancer.  We do it at each hygiene recare visit.  In fact, both the hygienist and the dentist will both take a careful look.  As many of my patients have heard me say, “If we don’t look carefully in your mouth, who will?”.  

What puts someone at risk for oral cancer?  

Risk factors include:

• Age (typically over the age of 40)
• Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Persistent viral infections, such as HPV16
• A poor diet (lacking or low in fruits and vegetables)

Wouldn’t I notice oral cancer?

Not necessarily.  Oral cancer can go unnoticed early as there are very few signs or pain mark the early stages of oral cancer.  However, some early abnormalities are easy for a professional to spot: 

• White or red patches of tissue
• Small ulcers that resemble canker sores that don’t go away
• Lumps or masses in the mouth or neck
• Wart-like masses
• Sores or discolorations that don’t abate within 14 days
• Pain when swallowing, chewing, or speaking
• Numbness of the mouth or face

Early detection is simple, painless and important.  When treated early, survival rates are much higher.  If cancer has metastasized to multiple areas, intervention will be more involved. 

How can I prevent oral cancer?

Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your dental exams, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer including: only drinking alcohol in moderation; enjoying a healthy diet; limiting your exposure to the sun and always wearing UV-A/B-blocking lotions on your skin and lips.

What is the survival rate?

Sadly, survival rates of oral cancer are not good; only about 57% of patients survive past 5 years.  This is why prevention is so important.  Thankfully, early detection is relatively easy as the mouth is so accessible.  Even if you don’t have any risk factors you are still at risk, so be sure to visit your dentist regularly and ask for a cancer screening. 

Paul Doodes DDS, PhD

References:

http://oralcancerfoundation.org

http://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/wyntk-oral-cancer 

© Paul Doodes.  All rights reserved.