Oral Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Your mouth plays a vital part in your body’s early warning systems. Because the mouth is a region of the body in which changes are easily identified by trained oral surgeons, cancer can be caught in its early stages. Be sure to perform self-examinations regularly to improve your chances for early detection and effective treatment, which may include oral surgery.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
There are numerous factors that may contribute to the development of oral cancer, the most common of which are tobacco and alcohol; however, other causes include neglected oral hygiene, pain caused by ill-fitting dentures and/or rough surfaces on the teeth, deficient nutrition, chronic infections and a combinations of these factors, among others.
If you are a smoker, research has shown that your chances of dying from oral cancer are approximately four times higher than for non-smokers. In the medical field, it is also generally speculated that the heat involved in smoking tobacco irritates the mouth and can additionally lead to lip cancer.
Other high-risk factors include patients over 40 years of age, heavy drinkers and users of smokeless tobacco and snuff.
How to Perform a Monthly Self-Exam
It is recommended to perform an oral cancer self-exam each month, particularly if you are at high-risk for oral cancer (e.g. smokers, users of smokeless tobacco, or if you consume alcohol heavily). These individuals should be sure to visit their dentists and oral surgeons regularly for annual exams, which will improve chances of early detection.
A self-examination requires a bright light and a mirror. Look for the symptoms below and consult your oral surgeon if you notice any of the following:
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- Red patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- White patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- A lump or overgrowth of tissue anywhere in the mouth
It is important to not ignore any of these warning signs – remember, early treatment is the key to a complete and effective recovery. Again, if you experience any of the above or any other irregularities concerning your mouth, consult your oral surgeon for a prompt examination. If something does looks unusual or potentially harmful, a small diagnostic biopsy may be recommended. According to the results of the biopsy, your oral surgeon will develop a specific plan of treatment, which may involve oral surgery.
Want to know more about early detection for oral cancer? Call the McDonough Center for Family Dentistry at (678) 432-0209 or schedule an appointment online with one of our oral surgeons.