Join the Fight against Oral Cancer
Oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer are estimated to kill “1 person every hour, 24 hours a day.” (oralcancerfoundation.org)
Dentists and dental professionals are the front line of defense against oral cancer. Your dentist and hygienist are trained to look for tissue abnormalities that may be cancerous during your routine dental examination visits.
Marietta Periodontist Dr. Cheria O'Neal has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of oral soft tissue problems and diseases, including oral cancer. A general dentist may refer a patient with this type of concern to her care.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
The high death rate of oral cancer is primarily due to diagnosis in the later stages when symptoms are more prevalent. The early signs of oral cancer are often not very noticeable; patients do not realize there is a serious problem until the cancer is very advanced.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer include:
- A discoloration (dark, red or white) on the oral soft tissue, tongue or lip
- Difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue
- Persistent sore throat or cough or feeling of having something caught in the throat
- A mouth or lip sore that does not heal
- A raised area, lump or growth inside the mouth
What causes Oral Cancer?
Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and sun exposure to the lips for extended periods of time. Genetics and immune system health also play a role in a patient's risk of developing oral cancer.
Another significant connection to oral cancer is a sexually transmitted disease, human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer (affecting the mouth and back of the throat).
How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Your dental care team will ask you about a history of cold sores or mouth ulcers during your dental examination visits. As a general rule, cold sores, mouth ulcers and minor mouth injuries (such as biting your cheek or a pizza burn in the roof of the mouth) should clear up within 2 weeks.
If any unexplained changes in the oral soft tissues or lips do not resolve within 2 weeks, further testing may be necessary to rule out oral cancer. Dr. O'Neal may recommend a soft tissue biopsy.
Dr. O'Neal uses the dental laser to perform soft tissue biopsy procedures; the laser is used to remove a small tissue sample, which is sent to a pathology laboratory for testing.
The laboratory will analyze the tissue sample to determine if the lesion is cancerous or related to another cause, like a fungus or an allergic reaction to medication or foods.
What Treatments are available for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer, like other forms of cancer, is treated by medical healthcare professionals. Treatments vary based on the stage of the cancer. Common treatments for oral cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
To prevent oral cancer and other serious illnesses, avoiding smoking and tobacco use altogether is important. If you currently smoke or use smokeless tobacco products, we encourage you to talk to your doctor about quitting for good.
The incidence of oral cancer related to HPV is on the rise. Ask your physician if you or your child are a candidate for the HPV vaccine.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can be successfully treated, the key is early detection and diagnosis. Dr. O'Neal routinely performs an oral cancer screening during each examination visit. She will carefully examine the inside of the cheeks, the palate, tongue and floor of the mouth to look for suspicious areas that may require further evaluation.
We encourage our patients to ask questions about oral cancer. Please do not hesitate to Contact O'Neal Periodontics if you would like more information.