Oral Cancer......What Are the Signs?

According to studies, nearly 37,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.  Oral cancer will cause roughly 8,000 deaths this year and of those newly diagnosed 37,000 only about half will be alive five years from now.  This survival rate for this cancer is particularly bleak due to late detection.  Most oral cancer goes undetected until it has metastasized to another location because of the minimal signs of oral cancer.  Therefore it is even more important to recognize the potential signs of oral cancer to aid in early detection.  Here are a few things to watch for with regard to oral cancer.

Make sure to have a regular oral cancer exam by your dental health professional.

1. Appearance - The main symptom an individual with oral cancer may notice in the early stages is an irregularity in the appearance of the tissue within the mouth.  The cancer may manifest itself through a red or white patch of tissue in the mouth or an ulcer looking rather like a canker sore.  If you develop a sore in your mouth that lasts for more than 14 days, it is best to have it checked out by your dentist.  They can determine if there is any cause for concern or further testing.

2. Pain – Another potential sign of oral cancer is pain or difficulty when chewing, swallowing, or speaking.  Again should this symptom persist, especially if it occurs simultaneously with other symptoms, contact your health care professional or dentist.

3. A mass - A mass or lump which can be felt within the mouth or neck is another potential symptom of oral cancer.

4. Numbness - Any numbness of the oral or facial region could also be cause for concern.  Contact your health care provider to get this checked out as soon as possible.

5. Hoarseness - One final common sign of oral cancer is hoarseness.  If you suffer from prolonged hoarseness unrelated to another illness contact your physician for an exam.

Dr. Rigby recommends having a routine head and neck cancer screening biannually at your regular dental hygiene visits.  If you or any family members have further questions, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss any concerns.  Why wait.......call today (512) 992-2822 or visit our website Rigby Advanced Dental.

Oral Cancer Screening

Three to five minutes that may save your life

It’s a fact that oral cancer is most frequently discovered in its later stages, when the survival rate is only 20-30%. This is largely because in its early stages it may be painless, and may not present symptoms that you might notice.  Rigby Advanced Dental recognizes the importance of early oral cancer detection and includes a visual and tactile screening for oral cancer during all exams.

Early detection through opportunistic screenings

Rigby Advanced Dental is working to increase the number of cases caught in the earliest, highly survivable stages of the cancer.  All family members over 18 should be screened at least yearly.  We recommend more frequent screenings when patients engage in known risk factors such as tobacco use.  The screening is a simple, painless, 3-5 minute exam.

Important --- These simple screenings are for EVERYONE.......not just people with teeth.  With increased age comes increased risk and as individuals loose their teeth or transition into dentures there is a misunderstanding that the dentist does not need to be seen.  It more important for these individuals to be seen on a regularly basis not only to check their prostheses but also to assess their general cancer risk and oral health.  

In addition to twice yearly routine dental exams and cleanings, please contact us promptly if you or your family members experience any of the following possible signs of oral cancer:

• A sore that does not heal within 14 days
• An unusual lump or discoloration of the tissues inside the mouth
• Any unusual pain or difficulty in chewing, speaking, or swallowing
• Wart like masses in the mouth
• Prolonged hoarseness
• Numbness in the mouth or facial region

The good news is that a simple routine head and neck exam can catch things early.  Precancerous lesions are removed easily and healing time is usually quick.  Get in today to have an exam if it has been awhile!

 

6 Steps to a Thorough Oral Cancer Screening

The dentist or dental hygienist will:

 

Step 1: Tongue ‘n Gauze

Extend your tongue as far as it can go, examining the sides and underside for white and red patches, and feels your tongue for lumps. NOTE: This is the most common site of oral cancers in non-smokers.

 

Step 2: Lip & Cheek Roll

Feel for lumps or bumps, looking for white or red areas that should not be there.

 

Step 3: Double-Digit Probe

Examine the floor of your mouth from the top and bottom simultaneously for lumps, looking for white and red patches.

 

Step 4: Palate Tickle

Check the roof of your mouth for lumps and area’s of softness on the hard palate, looking for white and red patch.

 

Step 5: Neck Caress

Palpate your neck for enlarged lymph nodes a possible sign of infection or something more serious.

 

Step 6: Tonsil Ahhhhhhh

Depress your tongue with a dental mirror, examining your tonsils for symmetry, enlargement, redness, or unusual bumps.

If your dental provider does a thorough oral cancer screening at every visit, recommend them for a Dental Lifesaver Award.