Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancers are diseases caused by abnormal tissue growth in the mouth, including the lips, tongue and throat. Screening for these cancers involves looking for early signs, before the person experiences any symptoms. If abnormal or cancerous tissue is found, treating it early may be easier than if it spreads and begins to show symptoms.

A dentist is trained to observe these signs and symptoms. He can advise you on risk factors and prevention, and if some problems are found, will advise you on what needs to be done and refers you for treatment.

Risk factors for oral cancer

• Using tobacco products (cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, etc.). It is not yet clear whether ‘e-cigarettes’ can cause cancers, although some studies have suggested that only the nicotine may cause problems.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• Prolonged and repeated exposure to UV light.
• HPV infection.
• Leukoplakia (thick white patches in the mouth).
• Men are more susceptible to mouth cancers than women.

Signs and symptoms

While regular check-ups by the dentist will allow your dentist to check for any signs of oral cancer, it’s useful to know the signs for yourself so that if you find any changes, you can act immediately.

• Discolouration in the mouth, or on your lips and tongue, especially dark red or white patches.
• Lumps in the mouth tissue. Some can be harmless, e.g. mucoceles, but any changes should be investigated, particularly if they are not painful. Painful lumps may be caused by normal trauma to the mouth (e.g. accidental bites) but many mouth cancers are initially painless.
• Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth.
• Sores that don’t heal.
• Changes in taste or sensation.
• Difficulty in swallowing.

Diagnosis

If your dentist has concerns after a visual exam, then further tests will need to be run. These may include:

• Biopsy. During a biopsy a section of the abnormal tissue is removed and then examined with a microscope.
• X-rays.
• CT scans.
• MRI.
• Ultrasound.

Treatment

If cancer is confirmed, treatment is usually performed using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. A combination may be employed to ensure all of the cancerous tissue is removed, to prevent recurrence of the tumour.

Prevention

Fortunately, oral cancers are relatively rare, and are treatable if diagnosed early. You can reduce your chance of getting cancer and improve chances of early detection in the following ways:

• If you use tobacco products, reduce or preferably quit their consumption. You can speak to any health professional for information on the best ways to stop smoking.
  Limit alcohol intake.
• Avoid sun exposure and use UV-blocking lip balms.
• Eat healthily, including lots of fruit and vegetables. Foods containing anti-oxidants may be particularly helpful.
• See your dentist regularly for check-ups, and report any changes in your mouth tissue that are irritating you.

As with any other health issue, the important thing is to be proactive. Be aware of your body and make sure you have check on any changes, and listen to the advice given to you by your doctor or dentist, particularly if you’re at a high risk.