Oral Cancer: The Importance of Early Detection

By Dr. Anna Chukhman

Some cancers are more highly publicized than others. Because of outstanding fundraising efforts and media attention, most of us are aware of the threats of breast cancer, skin cancer, and more recently, colon cancer. Currently only half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years. That's a startling statistic. Though you may not know much about oral cancer, your dentist does.

Your dentist can help detect oral cancer early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Your dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early signs of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified.

Oral cancers usually start as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. It can affect virtually any area of the oral cavity, including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate. Those who use tobacco of any form, whether it be chewing tobacco or cigarettes, are most at risk for oral cancer. Smoking combined with alcohol use can increase your risk as well. Lip cancer can occur if your lips are exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. However, studies show that more than a quarter of oral cancers are found in people with none of these risk factors.

Take a good look at your mouth after brushing or flossing. If you notice that any of these signs or symptoms persist, see your dentist:

•  A persistent sore or irritation that bleeds easily and does not heal; and/or white lesions

• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips

• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue

• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth completely.

Regular dental check-ups, including a careful and painless examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it. If your dentist notices a spot or sore that does not have a clear cause (a bitten cheek or a canker sore), your dentist may choose to perform or send your for a biopsy to detect any potentially dangerous cells. Harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to those that are harmless, so your dentist is a key player in identifying something suspicious.

If you know the early signs and see your dentist regularly, you and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer.