Oral Cancer

Authored By: Greg Johnstone

Reviewed By: Mahnaz Fatahzadeh, DMD

• Oral Cancer Treatment & Prevention

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 28,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually, with more than 7,000 of these cases resulting in death. Oral cancer may occur on the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, salivary glands, and throat (oropharyngeal).

Possible Signs of Oral Cancer

Since oral cancer often begins with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious, it is often painless initially and therefore difficult to detect.

Although the following signs do not necessarily signify cancer, are not all-inclusive, and may signify other dental conditions, they may be associated with early signs of cancer. Since oral cancer treatment is usually successful when performed in the early stages, any abnormal change in the mouth, gums, tongue, or surrounding area should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately.

The signs of oral cancer may include:

• Continuous pain in the mouth
• Sores and bumps inside the mouth, including ragged, ulcerous lesions
• Difficulty moving the mouth and jaw
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Soreness in the throat
• Bump in the neck
• Pronounced pain in one ear
• Undiagnosed bleeding from the tongue, gums, or cheeks
• Numbness in a specific area of the mouth or jaw

Oral Cancer Check-up, Diagnosis, and Treatment

For a definitive oral cancer diagnosis, you must see a dentist and a doctor (your dentist may refer you to an oncologist if cancer is expected). Your doctor and dentist will examine your mouth and evaluate your medical history to formulate an initial diagnostic impression and treatment plan. If the resulting treatment plan does not effectively resolve the dental condition within two weeks, a biopsy of the affected area will be performed to test for cancer.

Oral cancer is diagnosed through a confirmed malignant biopsy and a clinical evaluation to identify the stage and grade of the cancer. Cancer is present when the basement membrane of the epithelium is broken. The cancer may eventually spread to other areas of the mouth and body, resulting in secondary cancers that may yield even more serious consequences.

In order to determine the “path” of the cancer, the doctor may perform additional tests, including an x-ray, CT scan (computerized tomography), or MRI Scan (magnetic resonance imaging). Ultrasounds may be used to establish the contour, consistency and composition of the cancerous mass or masses. In the end, your doctor and dentist will develop a treatment plan based on supporting diagnostic tests.

• Oral Cancer Treatment & Prevention

[Updated May 2008]

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