Hello, this is Dr. Virginia Ellis here at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. Today we are going to be touching on a very important topic, oral cancer, with the goal of helping you understand how to look for it and why it is so important for you to come in for your routine maintenance, recalls, and dental checkups.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is cancer located in your head and neck region. When you come in for checkups, we look for cancer in areas such as the sides of your cheek, the roof of your mouth, the bottom of the tongue (called the ventral side), the floor of the mouth, your throat, or the back of your throat. Essentially, it's cancer in your mouth, throat, or head region.
What causes oral cancer?
Many factors can cause it, but in dentistry, a significant link is the combination of alcohol consumption with tobacco. The carcinogens, or cancer-causing chemicals, are easily solubilized and blend into the skin of your mouth. When mixed with alcohol consumption, this greatly increases your chances of developing cancer. Consider this before starting such habits. If you need to stop, give us a call. There are plenty of resources available to help you quit tobacco or alcohol, promoting a longer, healthier life.
What are the early signs of oral cancers that patients should look out for?
Lumps and sores inside your mouth are primary indicators. Often, patients come in saying, "Dr. Ellis, I've had this sore. Can you look at it?" I can assess whether it's likely cancerous or something to monitor. If you notice a chalky white sore that hasn’t healed in about two weeks, let us know. The rule of thumb is if you have a red mark, a white mark, or something swollen or bumpy that hasn’t healed in about two weeks, we usually refer it for further examination. Specialists often take a sample for biopsy because a definitive diagnosis often requires examining the cells under a microscope. Look out for lumps that persist for more than two weeks, sores, or unusual discolorations. Trust your instincts and come in for a checkup if you're uncertain.
What are the most common symptoms of oral cancer?
Common symptoms include discoloration in your mouth that seems unusual. White, red, or sometimes black discolorations, bumps, or hard nodules inside your mouth should be checked. These symptoms might also be present in your throat. Don't panic, but do get them checked.
What does oral cancer typically look like in its early stages?
In its early stages, oral cancer might not appear significant. It can resemble just a sore or a lump. White types of cancer, like leukoplakia, appear very white and abnormal. If you have any concerns, we have the trained eye to assess these conditions for you.
Are there specific areas of the mouth where oral cancer is more likely to happen?
The most commonly affected areas by oral cancer include the borders of the tongue and the floor of the mouth. Sometimes it can occur on the sides of your cheeks, known as the buccal mucosa, or on the hard and soft palate.
Can a lump on the gum be a sign of oral cancer?
Not always. It can be, but usually, it's a sign of an abscess, which results from an infection of a decayed tooth. An abscess can cause a pimple-like lesion that drains pus, sometimes accompanied by a funny taste. However, a growth can also be cancerous. It’s best to have it checked by us to determine the appropriate course of action and prevent any life-threatening or disfiguring conditions.
What is the connection between HPV (human papillomavirus) and oral cancer?
Certain strains of human papillomavirus, especially types 16 and 18, are directly linked to oral cancer. Oral warts, often connected to HPV, indicate a possible transmission between genital warts and oral conditions. If you have a wart in your mouth, it may be related to HPV and oral sex. We typically refer such cases to specialists for removal to ensure proper care. There is a direct correlation between HPV and sexually transmitted diseases in the oral region.
Is oral cancer diagnosed during a dental visit?
Yes, it can be. Early detection can be life-changing, potentially saving your tongue, jaw, and overall quality of life. Untreated, it might require extensive surgery that disfigures your face. Oral cancer can spread through lymph nodes, making early detection crucial to prevent metastasis throughout the body. Regular checkups greatly increase the chances of catching it early.
What does oral cancer screening involve?
During a screening, we examine both the inside and outside of your mouth using special lenses that act like microscopes. These lenses provide enhanced visibility, allowing us to detect issues you might not see with the naked eye.
What are the current treatment options for oral cancer?
Treatment often involves surgery if detected early. Biopsies and removal of affected tissue are common. If not caught early, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary. Early detection usually requires only minor surgical removal of affected areas, whereas advanced cases may require more intensive treatments.
How important is early detection when it comes to oral cancer outcomes?
Early detection is crucial to prevent the spread of cancer cells to lymph nodes and beyond. Catching cancer when it’s small can prevent the removal of significant parts of your mouth, like the jaw, tongue, nose, or lips, ultimately impacting your quality of life.
On a side note, I often catch skin cancer in patients who regularly visit dermatologists. We see you every 3 to 6 months, allowing us to catch issues earlier. If I notice something questionable, I advise patients to see a dermatologist. A second set of eyes can make a difference, much like finding your keys when someone else points them out. It takes a team of doctors to help you stay healthy. Make sure to keep up with your dental visits because we’re not just inspecting teeth; we’re also checking the health of your head, neck, and skin to save your head and neck.
If you have any more questions, give us a call at (925) 272-2698 or look us up at orindadentist.com. If you found this video helpful, please click like, subscribe to the channel, or share it with friends and relatives who might benefit. See you at your next visit. Bye-bye.
Oral cancer cases are on the rise. Also known as oropharyngeal cancer, this type of tumor can develop on the lips, inner cheeks, gums, tongue, hard palate, soft palate, or salivary glands. When detected early, the cancer can often be effectively treated and even cured. But its early warning signs can be difficult to spot and can easily go unnoticed by an untrained eye.
When it comes to oral cancer screening, your dentist at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California, has several important advantages. In addition to familiarity with your medical history, we have excellent lighting and an in-depth view of your mouth. We also have extensive expertise in the general anatomy of the mouth, throat, head, and neck, and we include an oral cancer screening as part of every routine dental check-up. In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, this is one more reason to visit us regularly.
What Does Oral Cancer Screening Involve?
During your dental cleaning and checkup, your dentist at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. will perform a quick but thorough oral cancer screening, which will include:
- A visual exam – Your dentist will look for abnormalities, such as thick white patches (leukoplakia) and unusually reddened areas (erythroplakia) in your mouth and throat.
- A manual exam – Using their gloved fingers, your dentist will gently feel your face, jaw, and neck to check for lumps, bumps, asymmetries, swelling, and tenderness.
Immediately after your oral cancer screening is complete, your dentist will share the results with you and explain your next steps, if any. Although we can identify possible warning signs of oral cancer, we cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis—only a pathologist can do this after analyzing a sample of the suspicious tissue under a high-powered microscope. If necessary, we can refer you to a specialist for further assessment, which may include a cytology test or biopsy.
To schedule your dental checkup and oral cancer screening, contact Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, CA, today. We don’t just care about your teeth—we also care about you.