Oral cancers account for around 3% of all cancer diagnoses in Australia, with those over 40 being at the highest risk. Oral cancer can occur in the tongue, mouth, cheeks, salivary glands, lips or oropharynx. It is important to be aware of the early symptoms so that any abnormalities can be assessed and treated by your dentist. Oral cancer can be life threatening, and early identification is necessary to avoid permanent disfigurement. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for, along with some lifestyle changes which can help to reduce your risk of experiencing oral cancer.
Who is at risk of Oral Cancer?
People of all ages can experience oral cancer, but the median age of diagnosis is around 65.1 years of age. Whilst many people believe only smokers and heavy drinkers are at risk of oral cancer, this is not true. There are a number of risk factors which can increase the risk of oral cancer, and it is important to be aware of the early symptoms. The five year survival rate for all types of oral cancers between 2011-2015 was 75%, which highlights the importance of early intervention and treatment.
If you have any concerns about lesions in and around your mouth and lips, it is worthwhile booking an oral cancer screening with your dentist. During your screening your dentist will perform a thorough examination of the tongue, roof of mouth, cheeks, salivary glands, lips and oropharynx. If there are any areas of concern, a referral will be given to see an oral and maxillofacial specialist for opinion and management, normally a biopsy will be taken to check for signs and disease and confirm the diagnosis. Once the stage and extent of the cancer has been determined, a tailored treatment plan will be developed.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
The below are known risk factors for oral cancer:
- Current or Previous Use of Cigarettes/Tobacco
- High consumption of alcohol
- Regular exposure to UV rays (particularly for lip cancer)
- HPV infection
- A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins/minerals
- Having a suppressed immune system
It is important to take a vigilant approach towards reducing your risk of oral cancer. Making a few simple lifestyle changes is a great way to start, particularly with regards to alcohol and smoking.
Common Symptoms to Look Out For
In the early stages, symptoms are relatively mild. Nonetheless, you should be aware of any changes in and around your mouth and schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have any concerns.
Common symptoms include:
- Sores which never heal
- Abnormal growths/lumps around the lip, mouth or throat
- Numb sensation in the mouth
- White/red patches inside the mouth
- Pain in and around the mouth
- Swelling around the jaw
- Ear or jaw pain
- Changes in speech
- Pain when swallowing
Book an Oral Cancer Screening at Glowing Smiles Dental Today
If you’ve observed an unusual growth in or around your mouth, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with Glowing Smiles Dental today. Oral cancer screening is a quick and easy way to put your mind at ease, with early detection helping to improve your prognosis and decrease the severity of treatment required. Contact us today to book an appointment at our Narre Warren or Doncaster East dental clinics.
