Oral Cancer: A Smile Saved is a Life Restored

Highlights:

Early detection through regular dental check-ups and awareness of oral cancer symptoms is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and reducing mortality rates
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive examination, including imaging scans and biopsies, to confirm the presence and type of cancer cells
Treatment options for oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, with advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy showing promising results

Early detection, diagnosis, and staging of oral cancer are critical for improving outcomes and lowering mortality rates.

Oral cancer encompasses various types of cancers affecting different parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and lining of the cheeks. Detecting and diagnosing oral cancer early on is vital to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates ().

Oral Cancer | Mouth Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Oral cancer is a cancer that develops in any part of the mouth. It is more common in men over 40.

‘Oral cancer accounts for around 3% of all malignancies diagnosed in the United States each year, or approximately 53,000 new cases. #oralcancer’

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Early Detection, Powerful Protection Against Oral Cancer

Early detection plays a significant role in improving treatment effectiveness and increasing survival rates for oral cancer. The sooner the cancer is detected, the more options there are for effective treatment. Moreover, early detection can minimize the need for more invasive procedures such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection of oral cancer. During a dental examination, any abnormalities or changes in the mouth, such as lumps, sores, or alterations in the color or texture of the tissues, should prompt a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
Recognizing Initial Symptoms Recognizing the symptoms of oral cancer is also crucial, in addition to regular dental check-ups. The most common symptoms include persistent mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal, a lump or thickening in the mouth or throat, red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or mouth lining, difficulty swallowing or speaking, hoarseness or voice changes, ear pain or persistent sore throat, and numbness or pain in the mouth or lips.

Upon the initial detection of oral cancer by a dentist, the next step is to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a more comprehensive examination of the mouth and throat. Further tests such as imaging scans or a biopsy may be ordered. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample from the affected area and analyzing it in a laboratory to determine the presence and type of cancer cells.

After confirming the diagnosis of oral cancer, staging is crucial to determine the extent and spread of cancer, aiding in the selection of appropriate treatment options. Staging is typically based on factors such as tumor size and location, the presence of cancer in nearby lymph nodes, and metastasis to other parts of the body. The TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis, is commonly used to stage oral cancer.

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Treatment Tailored, Lives Empowered: Fighting Oral Cancer on All Fronts

Treatment for oral cancer depends on various factors, including the cancer stage, tumor location, and overall health of the patient. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.

Surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage oral cancer, aiming to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving healthy tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may follow surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.

Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and is commonly used in conjunction with surgery or as the primary treatment for advanced-stage oral cancer.

Chemotherapy employs drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body and may be combined with radiation therapy or surgery, or used alone for advanced-stage oral cancer.

Advancements in treatment options for oral cancer include targeted therapies and immunotherapy, offering promising outcomes. Targeted therapies specifically interfere with molecules involved in the growth and development of cancer cells, while immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. These approaches have demonstrated significant success in enhancing the immune response against oral cancer cells ().

Your Mouth is a Mirror of Your Body
Did you know that systemic diseases show signs in the oral cavity first?

Be Mouth-Wise, Defeat Oral Cancer

Early detection, diagnosis, and staging are critical in improving outcomes and reducing mortality rates for oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups and awareness of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer can facilitate early detection when treatment is most effective. Taking proactive measures for oral health leads to better outcomes, increasing the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery.

References:

Early diagnosis of oral cancer - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20819411/)
Oral Cancer: Prevention, Early Detection, and Treatment - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26913350/)

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