Oral Cancer Screenings & Early Detection Exams
Oral Cancer Warning Signs You Need To Know
Oral cancer is something we should all be aware of, as more than 56,000 people in North America will be diagnosed this year, and nearly 11,000 will lose their lives to it. Early detection is key, as catching it in its initial stages allows for faster treatment and better outcomes.
When we talk about oral cancer, we are including cancer of the soft tissues of the tongue, cheek, tonsils, soft palate, pharynx, lips, and salivary glands.
The Most Commons Symptoms Of Oral Cancer May Include:
7 Known Causes Of Oral Cancer
There are several risk factors that can drastically increase your chances of oral cancer. They’re both physiological and habitual in nature.
- Weak Immune System – People with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of oral cancer. Your immune system may become weak after an organ transplant or if you suffer from autoimmune disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn’s, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia, etc.).
- Tobacco – Whether you smoke it or chew it, tobacco use increases the likelihood of developing oral cancer by six times.
- Diet – If your diet lacks fruits and vegetables, your risk of developing oral cancer may be higher. Aim to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are rich in essential vitamins and fiber. You can also support your health by getting key micronutrients such as vitamin C and E, antioxidants, zinc, beta-carotene, and folate through a balanced diet.
- Alcohol – The more alcohol you consume, the more your risk increases. Alcohol helps harmful chemicals enter the cells that line the mouth, throat, and esophagus. If you drink and smoke at the same time, your risk increases even more.
- Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV) – This virus infects the cells at the base of the tongue and of the throat, and when it does, it introduces a greater risk of oral cancer development. Symptoms can be subtle and painless.
- Prior cancer survivor – If you have had cancer before, for a certain range of time, there is a greater chance of developing cancer again. Your general practitioner or cancer specialist will be able to provide more information to you based on your unique situation.
- Sun exposure – Sun exposure increases the risk of developing lip cancer. This is especially true for fair-skinned people or people who spend a lot of time outside on a daily basis – gardeners, golfers, construction workers, etc. When you do anticipate sun exposure, use sunscreen, wear a hat that shades your face, and apply (often) a lip balm with SPF.
Oral Cancer Statistics
Oral Cancer Self-check
Did you know that at every recare visit you have with us, we complete an oral cancer exam and can thoroughly check your face, head, and neck? During the exam, we’ll check all the soft tissues: under your tongue and your tongue itself, your cheeks, your gums, the roof of your mouth (your palate – both soft and hard), and your throat. We’re looking for discoloration (red or white areas), lumps, and rough spots. We may ask you about numbness or unusual bleeding. About whether you’ve had a change in your voice (any hoarseness), or if you’ve had any changes in your ability to eat – swallowing, chewing, how your teeth fit together, or moving your jaw.
But one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to ensure you complete a monthly oral cancer check at home. Here’s how to do it:
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6-step At-home Monthly Oral Cancer Check
There are several risk factors that can drastically increase your chances of oral cancer. They’re both physiological and habitual in nature.
- If you wear dentures, full or partial, remove them.
- Lips & Front Gums (in the smile zone) – Look and feel for any changes.
- Roof of your mouth – Shine light on the roof of your mouth to observe the surface, and then feel with your index finger (arguably the finger that is the most sensitive to touch) for any changes in texture. Use a very light touch.
- Cheeks & Gums at back on mouth – Pull your cheeks out and observe the inner cheek and then feel them, searching for any change in consistency, rough spots, bumps, or lumps.While your cheeks are retracted, look at your gums – top and bottom. Run your finger lightly over them to check texture.
- Tongue – Use a washcloth to pull your tongue forward and visually check top and bottom plus the floor of your mouth. Any changes?
- Lymph Nodes – On the outside of your face, feel under your jaw and on both sides of your neck for any lymph node enlargement. If they are swollen, don’t panic, as they can swell when they’re fighting off a minor virus like a cold.
If you notice any deviation from the norm, keep an eye on it, and if it’s still there after two weeks, give us a call. We’ll check it out.
Oral Cancer Screenings
At Children’s Dental Specialists & Adult Dentistry, oral cancer checks are an important part of our treatment protocol. With convenient locations in Warren, NJ, Chester, NJ, and Warrington, PA, we make it easy to stay on top of your oral health. We want to help you achieve and sustain optimal oral health. Call us at (908) 791-3333. We always welcome new patients!