Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
DENTAL HEALTH…ORAL CANCER
By Dr. NerominiFagu
Most people have heard of cancer affecting parts of the body such as the lungs or breasts. However, cancer can also occur in the mouth where the disease can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. It is called oral cancer.
Dr. NerominiFagu
Oral cancer is more common in people over 40, especially men. However, recent research has shown that it is occurring more often in younger persons and in women. There are more than 640,000 cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year worldwide and it is the eleventh most common cancer.
There are a number of risk factors for the development of oral cancer.
Smoking: Cigarette, cigar or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco users 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. And if tobacco and alcohol are taken together the risk increases 15 fold.
Genetics: Family history might indicate a risk for cancer.
Excessive sun exposure: Especially at a young age, this can increase the risk of lip cancer.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): Many recent reports have linked oral cancer to HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer in women.
Cancers of the mouth can appear as a painless ulcer that does not heal normally. It can be on the tongue, gums, or throat. A white or red patch in the mouth can also develop into a cancer. Be aware of any unusual lumps in your mouth or jaw area, and any persistent hoarseness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.
Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw or numbness of the tongue and other areas of the mouth may also indicate a problem. Swellings of the jaw that cause discomfort, or cause dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable, will need to be looked at. Any of these conditions which do not clear up within a two week period on its own, with or without treatment, should be considered suspect and need further examination by your dentist or doctor.
Dentists are trained to look for signs of oral cancer. Your dentist is your first line of defence against the disease. You may not know you have early stage oral cancer because it often causes no obvious symptoms or discomfort. During your regular check-up or cleaning your dentist can perform a painless oral cancer exam.They are able to see parts of your mouth that you cannot. Cancer of the mouth is most successfully treated when it is found early in the course of the disease.
The treatment of your oral cancer will depend on the stage and location as well as your overall health. The stages of oral cancer are given in Roman numerals I through IV with stage I being a smaller cancer and IV a larger tumour or one that has spread to other areas.
Oral cancer is treated the same way that many other cancers are treated — with surgery to remove the cancerous growth, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy (drug treatments) to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
You can take an active role in detecting oral cancer early, should it occur, by doing the following:
· Conduct a self-exam at least once a month. Using a bright light and a mirror, look and feel your lips and gums, check the roof of your mouth and the lining of your cheeks. Pull out your tongue and look at all surfaces; examine the floor of your mouth. Look at the back of your throat. If you have any abnormal findings consult with your dentist or doctor.
· See your dentist on a regular schedule. Even though you may be conducting frequent self- exams, sometimes dangerous spots or sores in the mouth can be very tiny and difficult to see on your own. During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment.
Most oral cancers could be prevented by quitting tobacco and limiting alcohol consumption, even after many years of use. It is now commonplace to get a Pap smear for cervical cancer, a mammogram to check for breast cancer, or PSA and digital rectal exams for prostate cancer. These screening efforts help to catch cancers in their earliest forms. Oral cancer is no different and the screening procedures involve no discomfort or pain. It is important to realize that a visit to the dentist is no longer just about a filling, extraction or overdue cleaning.
For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, GeorgetownTel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected].
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