Did you know?
There are three times as many cases of oral cancer compared to cervical cancer and three times as many oral cancer deaths every year.
Oral cancer can be sexually transmitted. The culprit is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also causes cervical cancer in women. You can have HPV without ever knowing it because the virus often has no noticeable signs or symptoms. Most people will clear the virus naturally and never know that they were exposed or had it. The virus can lie dormant for years.
The fastest growing new patient profile are non-smokers in the 25–50 age range. White, non-smoking males between the ages of 35 and 55 are most at risk, 4 to 1 over females.
Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dental professional critically important.
There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:
- Lips
- Mouth
- Tongue
- Salivary Glands
- Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
- Gums
- Face
- Reasons for oral cancer examinations
What To Look For...
Oral cancer is often not noticed in its early stages because it can develop without pain or symptoms. If the cancer is detected early, and before it has spread to other tissues, the 5-year survival rate may be as high as 90%.
Dental professionals could potentially detect about 84% of the number of new oral cancer cases.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
- A red or white patch in the mouth
- A lump or thickening of tissue in the mouth, neck or face
- Sore in the mouth, including under a denture or an appliance, which bleeds easily or does not heal within 14 days
- Numbness in the mouth or face
- Persistent earache in only one ear
- Continuous sore throat or persistent infection that lasts for a long time or recurs
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, the dental professional will look for abnormality and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps. The VELScope which can highlight pathologic changes is also a wonderful tool for oral cancer checks. The VELScope can “look” below the surface for abnormal signs and lesions which would be invisible to the naked eye.
At Harrison Dental Hygiene we will comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed as part of your routine care. If, during an assessment, your dental hygienist identifies a concern, they will refer you to the appropriate health care professional.
If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please contact our practice.