By Raxit Aryal – Associate Dentist.
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, starts in the cells lining the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. It’s a subtype of head and neck cancer, with significant implications for health. Cancers of the tonsils, pharynx and lip are also a form of head and neck cancer but not a type of oral cancer.
Research suggests tobacco use, excessive alcohol, and HPV infection are major risk factors. Combined tobacco and alcohol use potentially increases risk by 15 times compared to non-users. Oral cancer accounts for approximately 2% of all malignant cancers in the UK. High rates are found in China, southeast Asia, France, Brazil and eastern Europe. Those who neither drink nor smoke have very low rates of oral cancer,
It is an age related disease- 95% of patients are over 40 and in the UK, oral cancer rates are rising.
High risk areas for mouth cancers shown in dark red. (Cawson, et al, 2017)
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms include persistent sores that don’t heal within two weeks, white or red patches, lumps, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. Dentists often spot early signs during check-ups, leading to diagnosis via biopsy and staging, which can involve CT scans or MRIs to assess spread.
Some examples of the features of “early stage” cancers include red patches, white patches and non healing ulcers. Late stage cancer features include non healing teeth sockets, glands in the neck which are palpable, reduced mobility of the tongue, nerve pain and significant ulcerations.
Prevention and Treatment
Preventing oral cancer involves avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol (up to one drink daily for women, two for men), using lip sunblock (and not forgetting the lips) and considering the HPV vaccine. Regular dental visits, are crucial. With every “check up” here at Ferring Dental Practice we provide a thorough head and neck cancer screening. This involves palpation of the extra oral tissues and visual examination of the soft tissues within the mouth.
The role of the dentist includes to help prevent, diagnose early and assist in management after treatment.
Prevention: – we actively discourage smoking, encourage only modest alcohol intake and thoroughly inspect all at risk areas of oral cancers. Early diagnosis means to remain vigilant, fast referrals for suspicious lesions leading to fast biopsies and diagnoses. If treatment has been made, we will ensure continuing care by monitoring for reassurance, manage problems associated to dentures and teeth after any surgery, and to help alive the effects of radiation such as dry mouth or dental decay. We take photographs here and at every stage we make sure there is good communication between the referral centre and our practice.
Treatment typically includes surgery to remove tumours, often followed by radiation or chemotherapy, especially for advanced stages. Immunotherapy may also be used, with outcomes improving significantly with early detection.
Lip cancers
Lip cancers are relatively common, with approximately 400 cases a year in the uk. Exposure to UV light is the primary cause. 90% of lip cancers are within the bottom lip. Look out for an area of thickening, undulation, crusting or ulceration.
If you have not been to the dentist in a while- it is not just about your teeth! The mouth is a big indicator the general health of a person. Don’t hesitate to make your appointment even if you feel like “nothing is wrong”!.
To book an appointment with Ferring Dental practice , contact 01903 246858 or visit www.ferringdental.co.uk