It’s that “C” Word Again

By Larry J. Rush, DDS, PC, Star Dental Systems

There’s something about that “C” word. Even though the “A” word, the “D” word, and the rest of the “disease alphabet” elicit uncomfortable and fearful emotions, it’s that “C” word that delivers the hardest punch.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (oral cancer) is one of those conditions you don’t hear about in the everyday. The statistics of this condition indicate there is a void in public awareness. According to the American Dental Association website, oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,260 Americans each year and the survival rate is only about 50% after five years.

Risk Factors

Smoking increases the potential for oral cancer six times over the numbers for non-smokers. Smokeless tobacco (dip, snuff, chewing tobacco) increases the potential for oral cancer 50 times. Excessive alcohol consumption produces the risk of oral cancer by a factor of six.

Family history

Excessive sun exposure particularly at a young age.

Common Symptoms

Swelling, lumps or bumps, rough spots, crusts or eroded areas on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth.

Velvety white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth

Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

Unexplained numbness or tenderness in any area of the face, mouth or neck

Persistent sores on the face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks

A feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat

Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue

Hoarseness

Ear pain

A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together

Dramatic weight loss

That said there is always the case that goes against the statistics. Consider Mary S, a healthy and active 80 year old. She never smoked, never consumed alcohol, cooked everything from scratch and grew much of her own food. At 60, this otherwise healthy, vibrant woman was diagnosed with oral cancer resulting in the surgical removal of a large lesion from her tongue. Early detection and aggressive response saved her life.

The good news is the advances in technology that provided opportunities for early detection. Routine use of the Pap smear since 1955 has greatly reduced the incidence and mortality rate for cervical cancer. Routine oral cancer screenings have the potential to change the statistics for oral cancer survivor success. As always, early detection is the key.

Introducing the Velscope; a fluorescence instrument for painless and comfortable examination of the oral cavity. The screening is performed in the dental office during a regular dental check up and hygiene appointment. Palpation of the face, neck, lips followed by a Velscope-assisted visual examination will often identify precancerous conditions and cancerous lesions. Persons who are fortunate to have their natural teeth through their middle age and senior years are more likely to see their dentist regularly. Denture wearers, however, tend to defer regular dental checkups not realizing that teeth are only part of health maintenance. The oral cavity includes the cheek, lips, tongue, gums, and back of the throat. Denture wearers should make annual checkups a priority. Remember, as with all cancers, regular screening and early detection is your best hedge. When you call for a checkup, request the cancer screening. It is painless, accurate, and affordable.

For more information about oral cancer, access these websites:

www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/oral-cancer and www.ada.org/public/topics/cancer_oral.asp