Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments

November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, which is an excellent time to provide information about oral cancer, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Although oral cancer is easily treated when it's detected early, it presents without symptoms, and by the time you notice any symptoms, the disease has likely spread. 

Oral cancer is the fastest-growing cancer and accounts for more than three percent of all new cancer diagnoses. Don't become one of those statistics. We recommend that all our patients who are 18 or older get screened for oral cancer. The screening is painless and non-invasive, and it takes very little time. Your dentist can screen you while they conduct your dental exam, which may make it more convenient for you. If you need an annual exam or you need an oral cancer screening, call our Flint office for an appointment.

Is Mouth Cancer Limited to the Mouth?

Although oral cancer usually appears in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the cheeks, tongue, lips, gums, and soft palate, it can also have signs in the neck or head area. Your dentist will be able to detect the presence of mouth cancer. You will not. Only a professional who has been trained in the detection of oral cancer will be able to diagnose its presence.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Usually, oral cancer is present long before symptoms appear, which is the reason we recommend an oral cancer screening. However, if you notice any of the following, then contact our Flint office immediately to schedule an appointment:

1. An open sore or ulcer that doesn't heal within three weeks
2. Any abnormal growth or areas of scar-like tissue
3. Any unusual swelling or lump in your neck, mouth, or head
4. Areas of white and red tissue in your mouth

 Although the above symptoms may not indicate the presence of oral cancer, they indicate a problem that needs to be addressed, so don't delay calling for an appointment.

How Will My Dentist Diagnose Oral Cancer?

During your dental exam, your dentist will palpate the soft tissues in your mouth to detect the presence of lumps or other abnormalities. Depending on their findings, they may order additional tests or a biopsy. However, diagnostic work must be done by a professional because you can't reach all areas you'll need to, and you may dismiss a small lump when it shouldn't be, so get an oral cancer screening from your dentist.

Are There Causes of Oral Cancer?

Sometimes, oral cancer appears without discernible cause. Sometimes, it's because there's a first-degree relative who had or has it, such as a child, parent, or sibling. Usually, however, it's due to external factors such as lifestyle habits like the following. 

Using any type of tobacco product can increase your risk factor by up to 66 percent. Whether you smoke tobacco, chew, dip, vape, or use a pipe doesn't matter. Tobacco dramatically increases your risk factor for mouth cancer.

Drinking alcohol to excess can also increase your risk factor for mouth cancer. Drinking excessively is considered 21 or more alcoholic drinks weekly or three or more daily. When you combine excessive drinking with tobacco usage, you have a sixfold risk of developing mouth cancer. Alcohol irritates the linings in the mouth and makes them more susceptible to the toxins in tobacco products. In addition, they're more readily absorbed into the bloodstream and then carried throughout your body, so you'll be at higher risk for other types of cancers and serious diseases. 

Engaging in risky behaviors, such as some types of intimate activities, increases your risk factor because of the presence of the HPV virus.

Spending a lot of time in the sun without protection, such as sunscreen or long-sleeved clothing, can also increase your risk factor for mouth cancer.

Age is a factor, but it's beyond your control. Those who are 45 or older are more likely to develop oral cancer. Biological gender is another factor that's beyond your control, but biological males are at greater risk of developing oral cancer than biological females. 

An unhealthy diet elevates your risk factor, so if your diet lacks fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, you're at greater risk.

How Can I Reduce My Risk Factor?

Changing the habits you can change should reduce your risk factor. Some things, like age and birth gender, can't be altered, but changes such as the following may help:

1. If you use tobacco products, quit.
2. If you drink excessively, get professional help to learn better methods for socializing and coping. Ask your doctor before quitting cold turkey since that can sometimes have life-threatening consequences.
3. Maintain a healthy diet that includes omega-3s, vegetables, and fruits, and remember to stay hydrated.
4. Avoid risky behaviors and use protection.
5. Get at an oral cancer screening and at least an annual dental exam and teeth cleaning. A semi-annual dental exam is preferable.

Since early detection and treatment are key to the best prognosis, make your dentist your ally in fighting oral cancer.

How Do Medical Professionals Treat Mouth Cancer?

Since there are so many variables, there's no standardized treatment for oral cancer. Each treatment regimen is unique to the individual and depends on the type and location of the cancer, whether it's localized or has metastasized, and the patient's overall health. Your treatment team will consist of your general dentist and an oncologist and may include a maxillofacial surgeon. Treatments can be as simple as removing the affected area or as complex as radiation, chemotherapy, and reconstructive surgery. But the least invasive treatment will occur when the cancer is detected and treated early.

Do You Need an Oral Cancer Screening in Flint?

If you need to have an oral cancer screening or it's time for your annual exam and teeth cleaning, then call Family Dental Group at (810) 515-8952, and we can help you. We're among the best in the area, and we'd love to help you take advantage of Mouth Cancer Action Month.

Call us today. We look forward to speaking with you.