Understanding Oral Cancer: Early Warning Signs and Prevention

Oral cancer, as the name suggests, is a form of cancer that is more popularly known as mouth cancer as well; it is a most typical form of head and neck cancer that mainly affects people over sixty. It can affect all the tissues or structural parts of your mouth, such as the tongue, the throat, the gum, or lips. 

If you’ve been searching for a trusted dental office Houston, TX, regular visits to your dentist could do more than brighten your smile—they might help detect serious conditions like oral cancer early.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancerous growth in your mouth or throat tissues. Every year, there is a record of 49,700 cases of oral cancer in the United States, and in most cases, it is men who are affected the most compared to women.

Symptoms of oral cancer

Some of the typical symptoms are:

  • Persistent sores
  • White or red patches
  • Lumps or thickened areas
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Jaw or tongue issues
  • Weight loss

How to Recognize Oral Cancer

Pay close attention to any changes in your mouth or throat, and inform your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • Red or white patches in your mouth
  • Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
  • Thickened or hard spots or lumps
  • Rough or crusted areas
  • Numbness or unusual sensations
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Difficulty in moving your tongue or jaw
  • The sensation of something stuck in your throat
  • Persistent throat pain

When it comes to preventing the illness, it is relatively simple, and there are a few guidelines you could follow:

  • Smoking or drinking should be avoided, and even if a person wishes to enjoy a beverage, they ought to moderate themselves to avoid any long-term effects.
  • One should use sunscreen lotion or lip balms with an SPF, as they could make a big difference.
  • Employees and students in schools and workplaces should demand and allow HPV vaccinations, as they could promote better health.
  • Patients or individuals who wish to care for their teeth and monitor any changes in their mouths can easily visit a trusted dental clinic, which will assist them.

How do health professionals figure out if a patient has oral cancer?

One’s dentist can diagnose oral cancer during an ordinary visit. If necessary, you will be taken through primary procedures or referred to other specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons or ENT specialists, for more checks if needed.

1) Physical Examination

The physician opens the affected woman’s mouth to view the inside while palpating the mouth, head, face, and neck to identify sore spots or any other signs of cancer.

2) Brush Biopsy (Scrape Biopsy or Exfoliative Cytology)

Cells intended for microscopic examination may be collected by scraping the affected site with a small brush or spatula.

3) Incisional Biopsy

Suspicious tissues with possible cancer are surgically resected, and the biopsy sites are assessed for the presence of malignancy.

4) Indirect Laryngoscopy & Pharyngoscopy

A tiny mirror on a lengthy, thin handle is used to view your throat, the base of your tongue, and part of your larynx (voice box).

5) Direct (Flexible) Pharyngoscopy and Laryngoscopy

An endoscope—a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and viewing lens—is used to explore areas of your throat and mouth that are not visible with mirrors.

Conclusion

If any of the above or related signs persist for a long time after two weeks or more, then a severity and explanation of all such signs should be given by a doctor. It can be saved by quick detection and treatment.