Hi, I'm Dr. Amy here at Boulder Canyon Dental. We get a lot of questions about oral cancer. I wanted to take some time today to answer a lot of those common questions and give you a better understanding of what oral cancer really is and how you can prevent it.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is any cancer affecting the tissues of the mouth, lips, throat, tongue, gums, and floor of the mouth. Oral cancer refers to any cancer that develops in the tissues surrounding the mouth, including the floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and gum tissue.
What causes oral cancer?
There are many different causes of oral cancer. The most common factors are tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption. They can also be caused by different environmental factors, viruses including HPV, or excessive sun exposure. Oral cancer can develop from excessive sun exposure, particularly on the lip.
What are the early signs of oral cancer that patients should look out for?
Early signs of oral cancer that a patient should look out for would be a sore or ulcer that doesn't heal within two weeks.
What are the most common symptoms of oral cancer?
The most common early symptoms of oral cancer would be red or white patches on the tissues. Also, some lumps or bumps, which are all things we're looking for in an oral cancer screening.
Are there specific areas of the mouth where oral cancer is more likely to appear?
There are specific areas of the mouth where oral cancer is more likely to appear, including below the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
Can a lump on the gum be a sign of oral cancer?
A lump on the gum can be a sign of oral cancer, but it is more likely a dental-related issue and not cancer. It is important to give your dentist a call if you notice any lumps or bumps.
What is the connection between HPV and oral cancer?
The connection between HPV and oral cancer is that the HPV virus can actually cause infection, typically in the throat or back of the tongue, which can develop into cancer. It is important to know which type of HPV you have if you are at risk.
How is oral cancer diagnosed during a dental visit?
During a dental visit, oral cancer would be diagnosed through our typical oral cancer screenings, which we perform at every dental checkup. We look for any of those white or red patches, lumps, bumps, and you will be palpated around the neck, floor of the mouth, and other typical areas affected by oral cancer.
What does an oral cancer screening involve?
An oral cancer screening involves examining the tissues visually to detect any affected areas. We also feel around for any lumps or bumps that may go unnoticed by the patient.
What are the current treatment options for oral cancer?
There are many treatment options for oral cancer, including radiation, chemotherapy, surgeries, immunotherapies, and more.
How important is early detection when it comes to oral cancer outcomes?
Early detection is critical for oral cancer outcomes, which is why it's so important to maintain your regular dental checkup intervals.
How often are oral cancer screenings done at Boulder Canyon Dental?
At Boulder Canyon Dental, we complete oral cancer screenings anytime the patient is in for a checkup, with a minimum of two times per year. With our patients coming in more frequently, it could be three or four times.
I hope I've been able to answer some of your questions about oral cancer. If you have more questions or if you're ready to take action, please give us a call here at (970) 514-0662. We're here to help.