According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancer affects nearly 60,000 people in the United States every year and kills almost 13,000 people. Thankfully, regular screenings and early detection can play a key role in catching potential signs of oral cancer, and early detection can significantly increase the odds of successful treatment. 

In this article, we will break down what can cause oral cancer, and what screening methods dentists use to catch early signs of the disease. We will also go over how you can decrease your risk of developing oral cancer and what symptoms you should be on the lookout for. 

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer typically involves abnormal cell growth in areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and gums. 

Left untreated or caught too late, oral cancer can spread through a process called metastasis, which can be life-threatening. This involves the cancer breaking away from its original location and affecting the rest of the body, including the lymphatic system and the bloodstream.

However, when oral cancer is caught early, there are more treatment options available to help mitigate the spread of the disease, which substantially increases the survival rate. 

Common Risk Factors of Oral Cancer

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain behaviors and conditions significantly increase the risk of developing the disease, such as: 

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption dramatically raise the risk of oral cancer. 

The Oral Health Foundation estimates that the increased risk of oral cancer when smoking ranges from 75 to 90%. Drinking excessively can also increase the odds of developing oral cancer, as it dries out the mouth and makes it more porous. When combined, heavy drinkers and smokers face even greater chances of developing oral cancer. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV refers to a group of over 200 related viruses that infect the skin and mucus membranes. Certain types of HPV can cause cancer, such as HPV 16 and 18. HPV-linked oral cancers often appear in the back of the throat or tonsillar regions. 

Vaccinations are the best way to protect against HPV-related oral cancer. Other safe practices, such as limiting tobacco and alcohol use, practicing safe sex, and having a balanced diet can also reduce the risk of HPV-related oral cancer. 

Other Contributing Factors

• Excessive sun exposure
• Bad dietary habits
• Genetic predisposition 
• Poor oral hygiene and lack of dental care
• Age (increases as you grow older)

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Watch For

Staying on the lookout for any potential symptoms of oral cancer can be life-saving as early detection can allow treatment to start before the cancer spreads. Here are some things to look out for: 

• Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks.
• Red or white patches, lumps, or thickened areas in the mouth or throat.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, along with numbness or unexplained pain.
• Unexplained weight loss. 
• Numbness or unexplained loss of sensation. 

The Importance of Regular Screenings

One of the easiest, most important ways to fight oral cancer is to ensure you’re attending regular screening with a dental professional. Screenings can identify suspicious growths at an early stage, improving treatment success. 

Routine oral exams at the dentist can often catch abnormalities before symptoms worsen, and your dentist can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that best fights your specific symptoms.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

During a screening for oral cancer, your dentist will thoroughly inspect the lips, gum tissue, tongue, and cheek linings for any abnormalities or signs of tumors. They will check palpitations of the neck and jaw and examine lymph nodes for unusual lumps or tenderness. 

Dentists may also conduct additional tests, such as using special lights or dyes to further examine suspicious areas. These tools help dental professionals identify abnormal or cancerous cells that may not be otherwise visible during routine testing.

Oral Cancer Treatment Options and Outlook

If oral cancer is detected, your treatment options may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Your doctor may also recommend a combination of multiple treatments depending on the stage of the cancer and its location. Early-stage cancers typically require less invasive procedures with fewer side effects, further showing the benefits of early detection.

In terms of outlook, the five-year survival rate of patients with oral cancer is around 68%, according to Medical News Today. However, that can change depending on the location of the cancer, how early it is found, and the overall health profile and age of the patient. 

Oral Cancer Screenings Available at Your Local Ideal Dental

Oral cancer can be deadly, but regular screenings significantly boost the odds of survival by catching the disease in its earliest, most treatable stages. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene and limiting your other risk factors can help keep you protected from oral cancer. 

To help ensure you’re staying protected, contact your local Ideal Dental today to schedule a screening.