Learning More About Oral Cancer and Screening
Hi, I'm Dr. Emma Mutcher here at Renew Dental, and today I'm going to be talking about oral cancer to hopefully shed some light and give you a better understanding of the topic.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells, and this type of cancer is specifically found in the mouth.
What causes oral cancer?
Some causes of oral cancer can include smoking, alcohol consumption, radiation, and sun exposure.
What are the early signs of oral cancer that patients should look out for?
Some early signs of oral cancer that patients should look for include white or bright red patches. These will be patches that do not wipe off, as well as non-healing ulcers that are present for more than two weeks. They would have rolled, raised borders and may or may not be painful.
What are the most common symptoms of oral cancer?
Common symptoms of oral cancer can include pain, ill-fitting dentures, whether they are looser or tighter all of a sudden, some loose teeth for no apparent reason, and paresthesia or numbness in certain areas of the mouth.
What does oral cancer typically look like in its early stages?
In the early stages, oral cancer can look like white or bright red patches that don't wipe off, as well as non-healing ulcers.
Are there specific areas of the mouth where oral cancer is more likely to appear?
Some areas of the mouth are at higher risk for oral cancer. These areas include the sides and underneath the tongue, as well as the floor of the mouth.
Can a bump on the gum be a sign of oral cancer?
A bump on the gums can be a sign of oral cancer, but not necessarily. It could be a number of different things. If you do notice this, it's always good to see your dentist and have it checked out.
What is the connection between HPV and oral cancer?
There is a connection between oral cancer and HPV. Certain strains of HPV can be a precursor to oral cancer.
How is oral cancer diagnosed during a dental visit?
During a dental visit, oral cancer can be diagnosed by doing an oral exam. We would check your soft tissues, the floor of your mouth, and see if there are any ulcers, lumps, or bumps. If we notice anything, we could refer you to an oral pathologist for a diagnosis.
What does an oral cancer screening involve?
An oral cancer screening involves checking your lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, and basically any soft tissues in your mouth to see if there are any ulcerations, white or red patches, or any lumps or bumps.
What are the current treatment options for oral cancer?
There are a number of treatment options for oral cancer. These usually depend on the type of oral cancer and can include chemotherapy, radiation, as well as some surgical operations.
How important is early detection when it comes to oral cancer outcomes?
Early detection is the most important step to diagnosing oral cancer. It creates a much better outcome for the patient and allows for better treatment results.
Want to learn more? Call Renew Dental at (204) 817-6768 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.