The Importance of Early Detection: How Oral Exams Can Identify Oral Cancer and Other Conditions

Cancer originating in the tissues of the mouth or throat is referred to as oral cancer and is classified as a type of head and neck cancer. Most oral cancer cases arise from the squamous cells in the mouth, tongue, and lips. In the United States, over 49,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, with a higher incidence among individuals aged 40 and above.

What is Oral Cancer

This is a type of cancer that can arise in some parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, the roof and the floor of the mouth. It is a form of head and neck cancer, a category encompassing various types of cancers treated similarly. The term oral cancer is sometimes used to refer to cancer occurring inside the mouth specifically.

Causes of Oral Cancer

Mutations in the DNA of cells in the mouth or on the lips can cause mouth cancers. The DNA of a cell contains instructions that dictate its functions. The mutations direct the cells to continue growing and dividing, unlike healthy cells that typically die. Over time, these aberrant cells can accumulate to form a tumor in the mouth. If left untreated, the tumor may spread to other areas of the head, neck, or body.

The most frequent site for mouth cancer development is the thin, flat squamous cells that line the lips and the mouth’s interior.

Risks

Factors that increase the chances of developing oral cancer are:

• Smoking : Individuals who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are more likely to develop oral cancers compared to those who do not smoke.
• Use of smokeless tobacco : Those who use dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are at a 50 times higher risk of developing cancers of the gums, cheek, and lining of the lips.
• Excessive alcohol consumption : Oral cancers are about six times more common in individuals who drink excessively compared to non-drinkers. The risk is even greater when alcohol and tobacco are used together.
• Excessive sun exposure, particularly during early life : Lip cancers can result from exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
• Age : Oral cancers can take years to develop, and most people discover they have it after age 55. However, younger men are increasingly being diagnosed with HPV-linked cancers.
• Gender : Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. This could be because men tend to drink and smoke more than women.

Also, people suffering from dental TMJ and sleep apnea are at risk of getting oral cancer.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Similar to other illnesses, oral cancer has its own set of warning signs. However, it can be challenging to detect these symptoms as some may resemble those of mild infections and less severe diseases. If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with your dentist in Boca Raton, FL.

Early indications of oral cancer may include:

• Hard and noticeable lumps in the mouth
• Numbness when biting
• Bleeding cuts in the mouth that don’t heal
• Red and white patches in the mouth

In the later stages of oral cancer, severe and life-threatening symptoms may gradually become apparent, such as earaches, difficulty breathing, airway obstruction, oral numbness, and lockjaw. If you experience these symptoms intermittently, it is best to seek an oral exam in Boca Raton, FL.

Importance of Early Detection

Identifying oral cancer during an oral exam near you in its early stages is the most efficient way to enhance survival rates and decrease the chances of suffering from prolonged illness and disfigurement. Unfortunately, over half of the oral cancer patients are diagnosed when the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage. Many people are unaware that early detection is crucial for improving survival rates, reducing the extent of illness and disfigurement, shortening the hospital stay, and ultimately lowering the cost of treatment.

Other Conditions Detected During Oral Exams

Other conditions detected by a dentist near you during oral exams include:

• Dental Carries
• Tooth loss
• Periodontal disease

How to Prepare for an Oral Exam

Prepare thoroughly for your oral exam by studying and practicing possible questions. Ask your instructor at Drs. Reda Abdel-Fattah and Magda Abdel-Fattah. about the exam concepts, rules, and dress code. Don’t rely too much on visual aids if they are allowed.