Hi, Dr. Dayanayev, here from Steinway Family Dental Center. We receive a lot of questions about oral cancer, so today we're going to answer some of the most common questions we've received so far.
What is oral cancer?
Cancer is essentially cells that are not normal, right? Something changes, and the cells become abnormal in appearance or behavior.
What causes oral cancer?
Oral cancer often results from consistent trauma, causing the cells to adapt to that trauma, change, and become irregular.
What are the early signs of oral cancer that patients should look out for?
I recommend seeing your dentist regularly, as they are trained to spot these signs. However, you can also check for lumps, swelling, or changes in color, such as redness different from the surrounding area. If something doesn't heal, that's not normal. Normally, tissue should heal within a week or two. If it doesn't, consult your dentist.
What does oral cancer look like typically in the early stages?
It can have discoloration and may be firmer or softer than the surrounding tissue. Patients might feel numbness if the cancer is near a nerve, affecting sensory functions.
Is there specific areas of the mouth that are more common to have an oral cancer?
The tongue is a common area, but it can also occur in the soft or hard tissue of the mouth. While it's mostly in the soft tissue, hard tissue cancer requires an X-ray for early detection.
Can a lump in a gum be a sign of an oral cancer?
Yes. This is why we check for lumps, feeling for anything unusual. I recommend seeing your dentist for this reason.
How is oral cancer diagnosed during a dental visit?
We use various tools, including X-rays, visual inspection, and palpation. A specific light can also highlight differences. If something appears abnormal, a biopsy is needed to confirm.
How important is it for a good outcome to get an early detection of the oral cancer?
Early detection is crucial. It's easier to remove cancer when it's small, like the size of a grain of rice, with fewer consequences. Late detection may require more extensive surgery or may be inoperable.
I hope I've shed some light on this subject. If you're diagnosed, suspect you might be, or have doubts, please see your dentist or contact us at (718) 728-3314, or schedule below! Our staff would love to talk with you.