Your dentist or physician can perform a comprehensive checkup during regular visits, including a thorough examination of the mouth. This screening may include blood tests, x-rays, or scans. If there are any suspicious lesions, they may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further examination. Mouth cancer may also develop as a result of an undiagnosed oral cavity.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of mouth cancer, as the disease usually starts in the squamous cells of the mouth. Under a microscope, these cells resemble fish scales. Once the cells change DNA, they become cancerous. They then begin growing and multiplying, and eventually spread throughout the mouth, head, or body. Often, mouth cancer is a result of HPV infection. However, there are some risk factors that may increase your risk of developing the disease.
A combination of surgery and radiotherapy may be necessary for treating mouth cancer. Surgical removal may be an option, depending on the location, size, and number of lymph nodes affected. A plastic surgeon can help you achieve the desired appearance after the surgery. Some oral cancers may be similar to skin cancer, so make sure you apply sunscreen before going outdoors. In some cases, chemotherapy may be combined with surgery or radiation therapy to treat the disease. But no matter which treatment option you choose, you’ll need to watch for the symptoms and consult your doctor.
The location of mouth cancer is crucial for your survival. If you smoke or drink, it can cause a tumor in your tongue, cheeks, throat, or pharynx. Tobacco can also cause mouth cancer. It is a common cancer among people in their 40s, although it has recently increased in the younger population. If you have been drinking and smoking for a long time, the chances of developing mouth cancer will be higher than for most other types of cancer.
Mouth cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth. It can also develop in the gums, tongue, cheeks, or pharynx. Most cancers in the mouth are squamous cell cancers, but there is no definitive way to tell which type you have unless you have symptoms. Early diagnosis is key to avoiding future complications and death. When can you get a mouth cancer diagnosis?
The word cancer can be scary for many clinicians, and they are often fearful of how their patients will react to the information. To combat this fear, dental practices should provide printed information about mouth cancer at the beginning of the visit. Educating patients can be as simple as posting a poster in the waiting room or creating a website dedicated to the disease. Providing patients with information about mouth cancer helps patients anticipate the process of systematic screening and management.
