Oral Cancer | American Oral Cancer Foundation

Using Technology to Detect Oral Cancer

BRIGHTON, CO - SEPTEMBER 11: Dental hygiene s...

It is impossible to see every angle of your mouth to know when something is wrong. Often, the first clue is a pain; however, it is very hard to tell whether it is a simple problem that is easily fixed or a more devastating diagnosis, such as oral cancer. This where the dentist employs all the tools of the trade to fix what is wrong.

One of those tools is gathering all the information possible once oral cancer is suspected. The dentist uses X-rays, a physical exam and healthcare informatics to determine the diagnosis of cancer. The X-rays give an underlying visual picture of the mouth, the physical exam is the basic evaluation of the teeth and gums, and healthcare informatics is a collaboration of knowledge about the cancer and the patient’s history.

With this knowledge, the dentist can determine the precise area the cancer is in, how big the cancer is and the best approach to either removing the cancer or treating it. While it is little comfort to hear such a diagnosis made, it does help to hear that the dentist has a plan of action for the cancer.

It is through the advances in technology and information that dentists have the tools to detect oral cancer early on. Treatment can minimize the area in your mouth that is affected, and technology can increase the chance that the cancer can be successfully treated. Taking this into consideration, you can see why it is important to make regular trips to the dentist to ensure that your mouth stays in a healthy condition.

Simple Tips To Detect Oral Cancer

According to a latest research, there are a lot of people who are suffering from oral cancer. It is very easy to take care of your dental health by following some easy practices such as proper brushing, flossing and taking right food and the likes. But still, if you suffer from oral cancer, the first step to cure it is to detect it in its initial phase. If a person is able to detect it in its initial period, then, it can be easily cured with the help of your dentist. Here are some signs of oral cancer which should not be ignored.

If you have a sore in your mouth and you are taking medicine to cure it but still it bleeds often and is taking too much time in healing, this can be a warning bell for oral cancer, thus, you should consult your dentist without any delay.

Many people ignore red, white or pink patches in their mouth or on the lips, thinking this can be the result of something they ate in their meal. In this case, they ignore it and leave to be healed itself. However, this is a symptom of oral cancer; therefore, bring it to the notice of your dentist, as soon as you observe such patches.

Tenderness in the mouth or near the lip area which cause pain or gets numb without any reason is another sign of oral cancer. If you are not able to swallow food or swallowing of food is causing pain, then, you should get it checked immediately. If you are finding it difficult to wear your dentures or weaning it is causing pain, then, do not ignore.

Filed Under: Oral Cancer Tagged With: Oral Cancer

Avoiding Oral Cancer with Regular Trips to the Dentist

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While most people make an annual trip to the doctor for a health physical, many are avoiding the dentist for various reasons. Regular trips to the dentist are an important part of detecting and then preventing Oral Cancer.

A yearly visit to the dentist is a superb way for this dental-health professional to assess not only the health of your teeth, but also detect any early signs of oral cancer.

It’s no secret that those who use tobacco products increase their chances of developing oral cancer. If you think the only tobacco product that can cause oral cancer is smokeless tobacco or chew (sometimes called snuff), you would be mistaken. Smoking cigarettes also greatly increases the chances of developing oral cancer as the ingestion of the tobacco product is nearly as harmful as chewing tobacco. Electronic cigarettes have become a healthier option for smokers who are concerned about developing this cancer of the mouth.

The most common sign of Oral Cancer would be finding a sore in the mouth. It’s important to pay attention if a sore in your mouth lingers as many people have cold-sores or canker sores especially during the winter months. If you have a sore that persists for more than 10 days, it’s crucial to get to a dentist for early detection.

Oral Cancer is not always detected in the mouth. For some, their first sign of a problem might come in the form of a lump in the neck. The beginnings of oral cancer can just as easily start in the neck as opposed to the mouth.

Other signs of oral cancer can be problems swallowing or a certain loss of feeling sensation in parts of the mouth. For any kind of lumps or loss of feeling or inability to swallow, consult with a physician or a dentist if a problem persist more than a week.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Oral Cancer, Smoking Tagged With: Cancer, Health, Oral Cancer, Tobacco

What is Oral Cancer?

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Oral Cancer is also referred to as Lip Cancer, Mouth Cancer, Pharynx Cancer, Oral Cavity Cancer, Mouth Cancer, Sinus Cancer, Cheek Cancer, Tongue Cancer and Throat Cancer.

The American Cancer Society claim that men are two times at risk for the development of Oral Cancer than women. Men who are over 50 years old are deemed at the greatest risk.

By nature Cancer is defined as cells which grow uncontrollably invading and damaging all surrounding tissues. When one has oral cancer it begins with a sore or growth that remains perpetually. When it is not diagnosed or treated in a timely manner it can become life threatening.

In its earliest stages Oral Cancer can actually go unnoticed, thus making it incredibly dangerous. At the start it can be painless, and very little physical changes might be noticed.

There are many symptoms and signs of oral cancer. Some of the most common signs include thickening and swelling of the area in question, rough and eroded areas located among the gums, lips, exterior, and interior of the oral cavity. The occurrence of white, red or white and red patches within the mouth. Individuals with Oral Cancer might discover numbness without explanation, tenderness and aches and pains (feeling sore and unable to swallow). Throat/Oral Cancer has been known to cause bleeding without cause, a hard time swallowing and chewing.

Other symptoms of Oral Cancer can be dramatic weight loss, a noticeable difference in your bite (the way your teeth seem to fit together,) constant pain in the throat, change or hoarseness in the voice, sores that remain persistent on the neck, face or mouth that have difficulty healing.

Smoking cigarettes,cigars or pipes, using smokeless tobacco products, a family history of cancer, heightened exposure to the sun, having HPV, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet leave individuals at a greater risk for developing Oral Cancer.

Filed Under: Oral Cancer, Oral Health Care Tagged With: American Cancer Society, Cancer, Oral Cancer

Studies Show Black Raspberries Slow the Progression of Oral Cancer

Within the last ten years black raspberries have become a big player in slowing the spread of one of the most common and deadliest cancers- oral cancer. During the last decade the incredible impact of black raspberries on oral cancer have become more and more evident as it has been determined that the berry contains a chemical and antioxidant property (ellagic acid) which acts as an anti tumor agent.

Oral cancer is simply cancer of the mouth which includes the throat, tongue, larynx, and anything associated with the oral cavity, it also sometimes affects the face and neck and can sometimes interfere with an individual’s ability to speak, breathe, and swallow.

Recently rats were injected with cancer-causing substances and then fed a diet rich in berries, it was determined that the berry-fed rats had 80 percent few tumors deemed malignant, whereas rats on a diet lacking in berries faired far worse. In 2002 it was discovered in hamsters that the inclusion of black raspberries in a diet aided in the suppression of tumor development in the mouth and surrounding areas.

Advocate for the reduction of cancer risk via a diet of fruits and veggies, Dr. Gary Stoner of Ohio State University believes that if research continues in a positive direction that the black raspberry could legitimately aid in the role of starting to eliminate not just oral cancers but other cancer strains as well.

Currently there is no hard evidence that black raspberries will cure cancer, slow its onset, or prevent it. but ellagic acid is being sold as a supplement boasting health properties based on studies conducted by Hollings Cancer Center Medical University of South Carolina, the University of Kentucky, and the University of Minnesota and the Ohio State University (which is responsible for conducting the majority of the research and having the most extensive list of accomplishments.)

Filed Under: Health Tips, Oral Cancer Tagged With: Cancer, Ohio State University, Oral Cancer

What is the typical treatment for oral cancer?

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Once a doctor has determined the diagnosis and stage of oral cancer in a particular individual it is then important for a plan of treatment to be designed to fit the needs of the specific patient. Oral cancer treatments depend upon a range of factors which include size, type, location, and stage of the disease. The patient’s general health and age is also taken into account by the physician. It is then determined whether or not chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of the available treatment methods.

Prior to beginning a treatment the majority of patients are required to have a full dental exam. Cancer treatments typically cause the mouth to become more sensitive, and additionally infected more easily. Doctors typically tell patients to have any needed or required dental work taken care of before the start of treatment as once treatment begins it might be too uncomfortable.

It is important for cancer patients to know a significant amount about their disease and choices for treatment so that an active role can be taken in the decision making process. A patient should always ask any and all questions for their physician. Some patients find that making a list of questions prior to the appointment with their physician will make it easier to remember what needs to be asked, and how the doctor responds.

Making decisions regarding treatment can be difficult, a patient might want to have multiple doctors review the diagnosis and the planned course of action for treatment. There is an extensive amount to learn about an individual’s cancer and treatment options. Getting a second opinion will not cause a significant delay in treatment but will give the patient a sound mind when making such a life altering decision.

There are a variety of options, and patients should keep an open mind regarding things such as clinical trials, which might offer up treatment methods that work, and help that are not readily available to the public.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Oral Cancer Tagged With: Cancer, Health, Oral Cancer

What are the available treatment methods for Oral Cancer?

Patients diagnosed with oral cancer are typically treated by a team of physicians and specialists among which could potentially include an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, a general oral surgeon, a radiation oncologist, a medical oncologist, a dentist, a reconstructive surgeon, a dietitian, a nurse, a social or hospice worker and a speech therapist.

Typically treatment begins with surgery designed to remove the tumor for the oral cavity. If it has been determined that the cancer has spread the surgeon will also remove lymph nodes in the neck or conduct more operations if the disease has spread throughout the body.

Some patients are treated utilizing radiation therapy, which capitalizes on the use of high-energy rays from a large machine designed to force the damage of cancer cells and to also hinder further growth. Much like surgery, radiation therapy only damages or works on the cells in the treated area.

Radiation therapy can be administered to patients both before or after surgery. When radiation therapy is utilized before a surgery it helps to shrink the tumor for a greater chance of removal. When used post surgery radiation therapy helps to destroy any potentially remaining cancer cells to reduce the chances of the cancer surviving and continuing to spread.

Sometimes radiation therapy is used alone for tiny tumors located in the mouth, sometimes radiation therapy is used in combination with surgery or even additionally chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is when a physician uses drugs in an attempt to kill cancerous cells. Researchers are constantly adding new drugs to the combination which might aid in the treatment of oral cancers. Chemotherapy works with other forms of cancer treatment in an attempt to shrink and destroy tumors to prevent the spreading of the disease.

Often times oral cancer is treatable with a variety or combination of these methods.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Oral Cancer Tagged With: Cancer, Oral Cancer, Radiation therapy, Surgery

The Truth About Teeth

Teeth are our tools. We use them to pronounce words correctly, chew, bite, rip into things that won’t open, and smile. These tools are important to us, though we rarely spend the time necessary to keep them healthy. Sure, we brush when we wake up, we brush before we go to sleep. However, we never fully understand why we do this. We just know that we were taught to brush and so we do.

As adults, we are more susceptible to life’s elements. We drink tea, coffee, sometimes, we even smoke. With all the knowledge about smoking, we still do it. Forget about the very superficial element of staining on our teeth from smoking and coffee drinking. Let’s talk about the real dangers.

If you have already neglected your teeth for some time, it is important to know that you are already in a dire state for oral medical care. Smoking has only contributed to this problem you have to face. If you have constantly taken proper care of your teeth and are, what some might call, a “nut” about flossing and brushing, you may be able to salvage some oral medical health providing you quit the smoking.

Smoking can contribute to a wide array of negative health conditions. One is Oral Cancer. If you look at images of Oral cancer due to the cancer beginning in other locations and migrating to the mouth, chewing tobacco, or simply an effect of years of smoking, you can easily see how imortant your mouth is to your body. It is not a superficial thing meant simply for smiles. Your mouth needs the same attention you give to the rest of your body. Treat it well.

By flossing, using germ fighting mouthwash, brushing, and fueling your body with water and important nutrients, you will be enabling your body—particularly your mouth—with the right strengthening exercises for any future negative elements. Even if it is as innocent as teeth staining iced tea.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Smoking Tagged With: Chewing tobacco, Mouthwash, Oral Cancer

All About Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer is on the rise. This is in spite of the incidence of smoking going down in some segments of the population. Smoking continues to be a common reason for people to develop oral cancer.

Oral cancer is thought of by many people to simply mean cancer in the mouth. Oral cancer, however, also means cancer of the throat, tongue, lips, pharynx or any part of the oral cavity. In any given year, there are more than 34,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed in the United States. Roughly seventy five percent of all cancers of the neck and head begin as oral cancers. This makes it particularly important to visit your doctor and your dentist on a regular basis. These medical professionals can perform pre cancer screenings that can help to catch any cancers before they become to entrenched in your body.

There are several symptoms of oral cancer that you must be aware of. If you notice any of these symptoms or signs, you should visit your primary doctor or your dentist immediately.

1. A sore that does not heal. If you notice a sore in your mouth that does not heal within about two weeks, you should visit your doctor.

2. Numbness in your mouth or throat. An unexplained numbness in your mouth or throat should be evaluated by your dentist or your doctor as soon as possible.

3. White or red sores or patches in the mouth. While these patches can be a symptom of other conditions such as throat infections, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice in order to rule out cancer or other serious conditions.

4. Difficulty swallowing or moving any part of your mouth. If you are having a difficult time moving your jaw or your tongue, or if you find that you can not swallow well, you should seek care from your doctor.

Filed Under: Oral Cancer Tagged With: Cancer, Oral Cancer, United States

Risk Factors Associated With Oral Cancer

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It is a common notion that oral cancer is common in the people who are smokers. It is true that the smokers are the ones who are at a very high risk of being affected by oral cancer, but there are also other people who are at risk of being affected with this disease.

The common causes and risk factors that can cause oral cancer also include the use of alcohol. Any person who drinks a lot will be at risk of being affected by this disease. Oral cancer also affects people who do not smoke, but use tobacco in other forms. The common reason for the oral cancer to occur is the chewing of tobacco. This is a habit that is seen in many of the people in certain developing nations where the growth of tobacco is not limited.

The other people who are at a high risk of being affected with oral cancer are the people who have repeated infections that are viral in nature. The most common viral infection is the Herpes virus. When a person has repeated infections with this virus, it can lead to oral cancer, or at least increase the risk of the cancer to occur.

The other important fact that should be remembered is that though a person may have a risk factor, the risk increases if the person has more than one risk factor. If a person is a smoker and also an alcoholic, then the risk of that person getting oral cancer increases proportionately. Other than the risk factors that have been mentioned already, a person who does not take care of the mouth and oral hygiene will further increase the risk of the disease. Prevention of the risk factors will help to avoid the disease and this is the reason for the various health agencies to try and reduce the risk factors.

Filed Under: Health Tips, Oral Cancer, Oral Health Care Tagged With: Cancer, Oral Cancer, Tobacco