Oral cancer is a life-threatening condition if not diagnosed and treated early. It starts in the mouth, also known as the oral cavity, and can develop in any part of this area, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx. Oral cancer is often classified as a type of throat cancer, given its proximity to the pharyngeal area.

Despite the seriousness of oral cancer, many people are unaware of its signs and symptoms. This lack of knowledge often leads to late-stage diagnosis, making it harder to treat. 

What are the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth. It can affect any area of the oral cavity, including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue, and the hard or soft palate. Other signs include: a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal; a color change of the oral tissues; a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area; pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue; a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth; a change in voice; weight loss; persistent bad breath; or a prolonged sore throat can also be indicators of oral cancer. These symptoms may signal other health problems as well, but they also serve as warning signs of this disease.

Understanding the Different Types of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be categorized into different types, depending on the part of the mouth where they originate. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinomas, accounting for around 90% of all oral cancers. These cancers start in the cells lining the mouth and the throat.

Other types of oral cancer include verrucous carcinoma, a slow-growing cancer made up of squamous cells; minor salivary gland carcinomas, which includes adenoid cystic carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma; lymphomas, which originate in lymph tissues in the tonsils or the base of the tongue; and benign oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors, which can become cancerous if not treated.

Understanding the different types of oral cancer can help in making informed decisions about your health. While some types of oral cancer are more prevalent than others, all require immediate attention and appropriate treatment.

The Importance of Regular Dental Exams in Detecting Oral Cancer Early

Regular dental check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions. You might have a small, slow-growing cancer or pre-cancerous area in your mouth that you are unaware of. Your dentist or hygienist will look for these signs at your regular check-ups.

During the examination, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches, or recurring sore areas. They will screen for lesions and for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. If an abnormality is found, a simple biopsy can be performed to rule out the possibility of cancer.

Regular dental exams are not just about maintaining good oral health; they can also help detect serious health conditions such as oral cancer. The sooner oral cancer is identified, the better the odds of successful treatment.

The Role of Lifestyle in Oral Cancer Risk

There are several risk factors for developing oral cancer. Lifestyle plays a significant role, and certain habits and behaviors can significantly increase the risk. Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, is by far the largest single risk factor for oral cancer.

Excessive consumption of alcohol, particularly when combined with smoking, significantly increases the risk as well. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may play a role in oral cancer development. Overexposure to the sun can also lead to lip cancer.

The Importance of Awareness and Early Detection

Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. However, with early detection and proper treatment, the survival rate for oral cancer is quite high. Understanding the warning signs of oral cancer, the importance of regular dental exams, the role of lifestyle in oral cancer risk, and the treatment options available is crucial in the fight against this disease.

Prevention is always better than cure, and lifestyle modifications like quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and protecting oneself from the sun can significantly reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.

Lastly, creating awareness about oral cancer is of utmost importance. Share this knowledge with your friends, family, and community. Encourage them to attend regular dental check-ups and educate them about the risks associated with certain lifestyle choices.

For more information on the warning signs of oral cancer, contact Riverview Dental at our Corunna, Michigan, office. Call 989.743.4851 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule an appointment today.