What is Oral Cancer, and How is it Treated

Strong and healthy teeth rely on good oral health overall. Your annual cleaning and dental exam are about more than plaque build-up and cavities. The opportunity also lets us check your mouth and throat for any early signs of oral cancer. Early detection saves lives and preserves your beautiful smile. Everyone should understand the risks of oral cancer and why it is essential to schedule regular dental screenings.

What is Oral Cancer?

The cancers considered oral cancers comprise a large group. Salivary cancer and any cancer that affects the lips, the interior of the mouth, the tongue, tonsils, and throat is considered oral cancer. About 53,000 people per year in the United States receive a diagnosis of this type. Unfortunately, many people do not realize how at risk of contracting this disease because it is mistakenly considered rare cancer. The belief of its rarity may be due to the lack of public health campaigns addressing the risks. As a group, oral cancers are the most common head and neck cancer.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer often includes noticeable symptoms that make it easier for patients to receive an early diagnosis. Unfortunately, some of the symptoms, like an earache or bleeding gums, are easy to mistake for other issues that people may ignore. Discuss any unexplained mouth or throat complaint with your dentist that does not go away within a couple of weeks.

• Sores that refuse to heal in the mouth or on the lips.
• A lump in the neck or anywhere in the mouth.
• Tongue, throat, or ear pain.
• Stiffness or pain in the jaw.
• Patches of white or red and white in the mouth or on the lips.
• Numbness anywhere on the face or neck.
• Dentures no longer fit correctly.
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing.
• Unexplained loose teeth.
• Unexplained weight loss.

Causes of Oral Cancer

Certain uncontrollable factors increase the risk of someone contracting oral cancer. Men are more likely than women to receive a diagnosis of oral cancer. A family history of the disease, or any illness that causes a weakened immune system puts people more at risk. Aging also increases the risk of oral cancer, as the diagnosis most often occurs in senior patients.

Cell phone use, considered a possible cause of head and neck cancer, remains under investigation. One study linked cell phone use to a higher risk of parotid gland tumors, but the study showed it only affected heavy phone users and the tumors were mostly benign. Other studies have not shown as obvious a link, but many experts still recommend people use accessories that allow the phone to remain away from the face during use. Several other known causes also exist. 

• Contraction of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Poor diet
• Tobacco use
• Workplace contaminant exposure
• Excessive sun exposure

Expected Cancer Treatment Outcomes

Statistically, oral cancers have a high fatality rate. About 43 percent of people will not reach the five-year standard survival period after their diagnosis. Late-stage detection remains the reason for the poor survival rate rather than a lack of treatment options. Many people fail to undergo annual screenings for oral cancers as they would for other health conditions, partly because public health organizations have not stressed the importance of dental cleanings.

Early-stage detection of oral cancer increases its survival rate to 80-90 percent. The patients most likely to reach their five-year survival are those who receive a diagnosis while still in Stage one or Stage two of their illness. The treatment options for all patients include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Targeted therapy drugs may also be used depending on the type of cancer diagnosed. The length of treatment will depend on the type of cancer, the stage of development, and the patient's overall health.

An oncologist will work with the patient to decide on a treatment plan, but the cancer specialist should also coordinate with the dental team. A complete recovery becomes more likely when patients have access to a sound nutrition plan, any necessary dental reconstruction, and practical and gentle dental care during their treatment and recovery.

It is frightening for any patient to receive a diagnosis of oral cancer. Still, early treatment and a comprehensive approach to good oral care save lives and make a recovery easier. The simplest protection method is to attend every recommended dental visit and schedule extra visits when something unusual begins. More than half of all oral cancers have already spread before detection. To avoid unnecessary risks and schedule a visit for a dental exam today.

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Sfiroudis a leading Nassau County Periodontist located in Williston Park NY. Learn more about her services by visiting her website.