Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people worldwide each year. In 2022, there were approximately 389,846 cases of oral cancer. Although this form of cancer can spread quickly to other parts of the head and neck, it is also highly treatable when detected in its early stages. Since early symptoms are often mistaken for minor mouth problems, many cases go unnoticed until the disease has progressed. 

April is a month of spring showers and oral cancer awareness. It is an important reminder of the need for early detection and education. Understanding the risk factors and warning signs plays a critical role in preventing oral cancer from spreading. With the right knowledge and regular checkups, individuals can significantly improve their chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment.  

What is Oral Cancer?  

While doctors diagnose oral cancer in people aged 60 and older, it can be found in people of all ages. Oral cancer often appears as white patches or sores on and around your mouth. If left untreated, these sores spread to other areas of the head. As oral cancer worsens, it progresses through three stages. Doctors define the stages using the TNM method. T stands for the size and where the tumor is located. N represents that the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes. M means that it has metastasized or spread to the rest of the body. Using this method, the first stage of oral cancer is T1. In this stage, the tumor is 2 or fewer centimeters. In the second stage, T2, the tumor isn’t bigger than 4 centimeters. T3 is the third stage. The tumor in this stage is larger than 4 centimeters.  

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer 

Researchers have struggled to identify consistent causes of oral cancer. They have found several different risk factors that can play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing this form of cancer. 

1- Tobacco Use 

Medical researchers consider tobacco use as one of the highest risk factors for oral cancer.  Whether it is smoking or chewing an excessive amount of tobacco, it can damage the cells in and around your mouth, causing cancer cells to form 

2- Alcohol 

Another one of the highest risk factors is drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. According to the cancer center, 70% of those diagnosed with oral cancer are also heavy drinkers. However, the risk multiplies 30 times as much when an individual is both a heavy drinker and uses tobacco.  

3 -Genetics 

A risk factor that cannot be controlled is genetics. When someone There are two genetic mutations that have been linked to it. The first one is called Fanconi anemia. Fanconi anemia is a blood condition that causes anemia. Research shows that people with this genetic mutation are 500 times more likely to develop oral cancer. The second genetic mutation is dyskeratosis congenita. Researchers have linked dyskeratosis congenita to aplastic anemia and early oral cancer. 

Signs of Oral Cancer 

1 –  Leukoplakia  

Leukoplakia forms white or gray patches on the gums and cheeks. These patches can be rough, smooth, ridged, or wrinkled. The many different textures can make it harder to identify what the patches are; they are consistently thick and hard.  While Leukoplakia is not cancer, it often leads to it. Another form of leukoplakia is called hairy leukoplakia. This condition causes white, fuzzy patches to form on the sides of the tongue. Researchers still do not know the cause of these patches, but tobacco and drinking seem to make it worse. is 

2 – Erythroplakia 

Erythroplakia forms red lesions on the tongue, cheeks, or floor of the mouth. This symptom is less common than leukoplakia, but it is more likely to be precancerous. Doctors identify erythroklakia by their velvety or granular texture. If these red lesions are scraped, they bleed. Tobacco, alcohol, smoking, and ill-fitting dentures are all common causes. When patches are a mix of red and white, professionals call them erythrileukoplakia or speckled leukoplakia.  

3 – Changes in Speech 

Sometimes the tumor can affect the muscles involved in speech. Patients may express this through slurred speech, difficulty in pronunciation, and persistent hoarseness. If your speech patterns begin to change, it could be linked to abnormal growths, and it’s best to get your mouth checked out.  

4 – Loose teeth or bleeding 

Biting the tongue or cheek often causes it to bleed. When the mouth starts bleeding during your normal routine of brushing or flossing, there might be a problem. Cancer patients have also described a tingling sensation that precedes bleeding or loose teeth. 

5 – Persistent Sores and Pain 

It is normal for a person to develop sores throughout their life; however, they typically disappear after two or so weeks. If sores are persisting longer than just a couple of weeks, then it might be time to pay the dentist a visit. If these sores start to grow larger or become painful, then that might be a sign that it’s more than just a sore.  

6 – Lumps and Swelling 

As oral cancer progresses, it will cause swelling or lumps to grow in the mouth. If there is swelling in the lymph nodes or the salivary glands, then it’s important to go to a doctor to check it out. A healthy mouth is typically smooth and has an even texture. Oral cancer creates rough patches and can thicken the cheek in certain places.  

Conclusion 

Although oral Cancer only affects a small portion of the population, its impact can be life-altering. Because the disease can spread rapidly, early detection is essential for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Recognizing warning signs can help individuals seek medical attention before the cancer progresses. In addition, understanding the risk factors can help people make informed decisions about their health.

Regular dental visits and routine oral examinations are the most effective ways to identify precancerous symptoms. By staying informed and paying attention, individuals can take important steps toward the prevention and early detection of oral cancer. If you need assistance identifying warning signs of oral health problems, contact Arlington Family Dental today to schedule an appointment!