Oral cancer and ways to detect & treat it
Dr Myles Holt of SMILEFOCUS gives an in-depth explanation of oral cancer and ways to detect and help prevent the disease.
It’s common knowledge regular visits to your dentist are important in maintaining good oral health. However, did you know part of a routine dental examination involves your dentist screening for signs of oral cancer? Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or a sore anywhere in the mouth. It can affect any area of your oral cavity including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and hard or soft palate. During your visit, the dentist examines the inside of your mouth and tongue to look for these often flat, painless, tell-tale signs. Since both cancerous and non-cancerous sores look alike it’s best to conduct tests to differentiate the two.
In the past, men were more prone to oral cancers than women with a ratio of 6:1. However with a shift in lifestyle choices, this ratio is now 2:1. And although oral cancers were more common in those over the age of 40, the disease is now detected more frequently among younger people. The human papilloma virus – in particular version 16, (HPV16) – is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence of oral cancer in young, non-smoking people. Research suggests HPV16 may be significantly replacing tobacco as the primary causative agent of oral cancers in those under the age of 50 years. Here are some signs to look for:
• A sore in the mouth which bleeds easily or does not heal
• A sore in the mouth which bleeds easily or does not heal
• A change in colour of the oral tissues
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area in the mouth
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
• Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
• A lump or mass felt inside the mouth or neck
• Long-term hoarseness
• Numbness in the oral or facial region.
• A change in the way teeth fit together
Prolonged exposure to the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer – another common oral cancer. Prevent oral cancer by avoiding cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Tobacco coupled with alcohol can also greatly increase your risk of oral cancer. Prevent potentially cancerous lesions with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Because there are so many benign tissue changes that occur normally in your mouth, and some of these changes may mimic the look of a dangerous tissue change, it’s important to have any sore or discoloured area of your mouth looked at by your dentist – especially if it doesn’t heal within 14 days. However, oral cancer can also occur in people who don’t smoke and have no other known risk factors. A regular oral examination is essential and will aid in the early detection and containment of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.
Dr Myles Holt B.D.S. (Sydney)
Dr. Myles Holt is from Melbourne, Australia and has more than 10 years of international experience spanning Australia, UK, Europe and the Middle East. His passion and expertise lies in Cosmetic Dentistry and Facial Aesthetic procedures.
