Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs when parts of the mouth and surrounding tissue become affected by cancerous cells.  As with all other forms of cancer, oral cancer begins with the uncontrollable growth of cells that damage and invade the tissue surrounding these cells.  Oral cancer can be found in the mouth (lips, tongue, gums, cheeks) or sinuses, palate and throat regions.  It is the largest group on cancers that fall within the head and neck category.

Common Causes of Oral Cancer.
The main cause of oral cancer is not surprisingly the use of tobacco.  Ninety percent of people diagnosed with oral cancer have used some form of tobacco such as cigarettes, pipes, snuff, chewing tobacco or cigars.  The next leading cause is the use of alcohol.  Other causes may include leukoplakia, erythroplakia (characterized by patches the develop in the mouth or throat) and exposure to the sun.  In some cases oral cancer may be caused by a virus such as HPV or fungi.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer.
It is important to remember when looking at symptoms that each individual case is different.  Some individuals see no symptoms while others have just a few.  Other patients may have all of the symptoms. As with other disease or illness, it is important to see a physician if you have concerns over any of the following common symptoms as they may be signs of oral cancer or another condition all together.
•    Patches on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth (usually red or white in color).
•    Sores around the lips or mouth that do not heal.
•    Any lumps found around the mouth, lips or throat (or even neck).
•    Swelling of the jaw.
•    Chronic sore throat.
•    Difficulty or painful swallowing or chewing.
•    Bleeding in the mouth.
•    Earache
•    Loose teeth or difficulty wearing dentures

Who Gets Oral Cancer?
There are certain risk factors that increase a person’s chance of getting oral cancer.  They include use of tobacco and/or alcohol, exposure to the sun (lip cancer), HPV (human papillomavirus), and anyone with a suppressed immune system.  These are risk factors–meaning some people may develop oral cancer while others will not.  Over a quarter of the people diagnosed with oral cancer do not smoke or drink regularly.  Historically this cancer has affected people over the age of 40 and is found in men two times more often than women.

Diagnosis and Prognosis.
Your dentist can conduct an oral cancer screening as part of your routine dental visit.  Unfortunately in many cases either due to lack of routine oral exams or other conditions this type of cancer is often not diagnosed until it has progressed to a dangerous level.  If this cancer travels to your lymph system you are now looking at a cancer that will spread to other parts of your body.  If you have any questions about symptoms or other concerns, it is important to contact your doctor or dentist right away.  The survival rate increases the sooner the cancer is diagnosed and treated.

For more information about oral cancer, please visit the Oral Cancer Foundation or National Cancer Institute.