Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know | San Diego CA Dentist

Oral cancer is a serious and potentially deadly type of cancer that affects the tissues of the mouth and throat. It can be caused by a variety of factors, but is most commonly linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable when caught in its early stages, so it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms and seek medical attention if they arise. Here is what you need to know about oral cancer:

Symptoms:

• Unusual lumps or sores in the mouth
• Painful or persistent mouth sores or ulcers
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Loose teeth
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Earache
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

Risk Factors:

• Tobacco use (either smoking or chewing)
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Exposure to sunlight
• Poor oral hygiene
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection
• History of head and neck cancer

Diagnosis:

• Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your mouth and throat.
• They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for any suspicious areas.
• A biopsy may be performed to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment:

• Surgery: Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgery may be necessary to remove the cancerous cells.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules within the cancer cells.

Prevention:

• Quit smoking and using any other forms of tobacco
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun
• Practice good oral hygiene
• Get regular dental checkups
• Avoid unsafe sexual practices
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly

Oral cancer is a serious condition, but it is highly treatable when caught in its early stages. If you notice any of the symptoms or risk factors listed above, make sure to speak to your doctor right away. With the right care and treatment, it is possible to beat oral cancer and regain your health.

Our team can perform a screening to detect any signs of oral cancer. If you have any of the mentioned risk factors or have been experiencing symptoms, please contact us to schedule a consultation.