Hi, I'm Dr. Alex Matheson here at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center. Today I'll answer some common questions about oral cancer in hopes of giving you a better understanding of that topic.
What is oral cancer?
Cancer can occur all over the body, including your mouth and the areas around your mouth. That's one of the things we do in our routine exams. When you come in for your new patient exam or your routine cleaning every six months, we take a look to ensure you don't have any oral cancer. It is something real that can happen to many people.
What causes oral cancer?
There are many reasons someone might get oral cancer. People who might be more prone are those who use tobacco products, either smoking or chewing tobacco. High alcohol consumption can also contribute. If you smoke, use tobacco, or are a heavy drinker, we make sure to check for anything unusual in your mouth during dental visits.
What are the early signs of oral cancer that a patient should look out for?
Look out for any changes in your mouth, such as a color change from pink to white or a sore that doesn't heal. It's common to get sores from biting your cheek or tongue, but a normal sore should go away in a few days to a week. If something lingers for weeks, it's best to come in and have us check it out at Matheson Dentistry & Implant Center.
What are the most common symptoms of oral cancer?
Often, there are no symptoms other than visible changes in your mouth. In rare cases, you might experience a burning sensation, but most of the time, there isn't any different feeling. This underscores the importance of coming in every six months for an exam and oral cancer screening.
Are there any specific areas of the mouth where oral cancer is more likely to appear?
Oral cancer is more likely to appear on the side of your tongue and the floor of your mouth under your tongue. It can also occur on the roof of your mouth and inside your cheeks. It's crucial to have an oral cancer screening as part of your normal dental exam every six months.
Can a lump on the gum be a sign of oral cancer?
There are many reasons for a lump on your gums, one of which can be cancer, although it's not the most common reason. More common causes are dental or gum infections. However, if you notice a lump on your gums, tongue, roof of your mouth, or inside your cheek, come in to Mat Dentistry for an examination.
What is the connection between HPV and oral cancer?
That's a common question. HPV is a virus that can be spread through sexual contact and is associated with certain types of cancer. While most people are exposed to various viruses, certain types can be spread sexually. It's important to be aware of these connections, although the exact details and categories of viruses require further examination.
How is oral cancer diagnosed?
Oral cancer is diagnosed with a microscope. During an oral cancer screening, we look for patterns and changes in your mouth, such as lumps or color changes. If we suspect oral cancer, we can take a biopsy and send it to a lab for analysis. The diagnosis happens in the lab, and we relay the results to you. Hopefully, it comes back negative, but if it is cancerous, it's crucial information to have.
What are the current treatment options for oral cancer?
For those diagnosed with oral cancer, the cancerous tissue must be removed. The extent of treatment is decided by you, the surgeon, and the oncologist. Treatment may involve just removing the tissue or additional interventions like radiation or chemotherapy if there's metastasis. Early identification often means only removing the tissue is needed.
How important is early detection when it comes to oral cancer outcomes?
Early detection is key to a good outcome. When oral cancer is identified early, it can often be surgically removed without further treatment. Delays can lead to metastasis, where cancer spreads to other parts of the body. This is why we recommend coming in every six months for a routine dental exam and oral cancer screening.