Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers seen in the Indian population. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer not only increases the chances of successful treatment of individuals but also improves the quality of life significantly.

Common sites of oral cancer include: buccal mucosa, tongue, gingivobuccal sulcus, jaw bones and gums (alveolus), etc. A majority of these cancers remain undetected until they reach advanced stages of cancer progression, which can be life-threatening.

Regular screening, especially for those with oral cancer risk factors, can be life-saving. The primary goal of oral cancer screening is early detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Risk Factors Commonly Associated with Oral Cancer

There are a number of risk factors associated with oral cancer:

  1. Increased Tobacco Use: Tobacco use in any form, cigarettes, chewable (paan), snuff, and cigars, can significantly increase the chances of oral cancer.
  2. Heavy Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use, is linked with oral cancer.
  3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain types of HPV infections are linked with precancerous (leukoplakia) and cancerous lesions (oral squamous cell carcinoma) of the mouth.
  4. Previous History of Oral Cancer: Oral cancer has high rates of recurrence; thus, regular screening is important to detect new cancers.

Red Flags in Oral Cancer Detection

There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the mouth.

  1. Oral ulcers lasting more than 2 weeks
  2. Recurrent oral ulcers, especially those on the lateral border of the tongue, floor of the mouth, etc.
  3. Ulcers that are fixed and have indurated and rolled margins
  4. Facial or oral paresthesia
  5. Pigmented lesions of the mouth
  6. Lumps or swellings, including lymphadenopathy
  7. Oral lesions in immunocompromised patients—patients with neutropenia, HIV infections

These signs and symptoms, when associated with oral cancer risk factors, are highly indicative of cancerous lesions. Patients with these signs must undergo regular oral cancer screening for early detection and treatment.

What to Expect During Oral Cancer Screening?

At Dhriti Dental, Dr. Arvind (Oral and Maxillofacial Oncosurgeon) specializes in oral cancer screening, evaluation, and treatment. He holds a fellowship in Oral Oncosurgery from the prestigious HCG Cancer Institute, Bangalore, and a clinical fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons, London.

He ensures a comfortable, stress-free, and confidential environment throughout the screening and treatment procedures.

Oral cancer screening at Dhriti Dental, Hyderabad, includes the following:

  1. Clinical Evaluation: A thorough evaluation of the head and neck region and associated structures is done for signs of abnormal growth or swelling. This is followed by the dentist feeling the tissues of your mouth and neck for any lumps, swellings, or tenderness. A blue or fluorescent light may be used during the clinical exam to identify abnormal cells.
  2. Biopsy: If any suspicious tissues or growths are identified during the examination, an incisional or excisional biopsy is done based on the size of the lesion. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the suspected area, which includes both normal and abnormal tissue, which is then further examined under a microscope to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells.
  3. Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans may be advised by the treating clinician to obtain a clearer view of the affected area and to check the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
  4. Treatments and Follow-ups: Any detected cancerous lesions are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, or a combination of any of the above. In case the tests come out negative, regular screening must be scheduled in high-risk cases.

Oral cancer screening is an important step in detecting oral cancers early, increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving the quality of life.

Want to book your oral cancer screening? Book your appointment with Dhriti Dental, Hyderabad, now!

Early detection is protection!

FAQs

  1. Who is at risk of oral cancer?

    2. People with a habit history of chewing, smoking, or using tobacco in any other way; alcohol abusers; and patients with a history of cancer or HPV infections are at high risk of cancer.

  2. What are the signs of oral cancer that can be identified by the patient?

    3. Ulceration on the lateral border of the tongue, floor of the mouth, or gums may be linked with cancer when persisting for more than 2 weeks. Numbness of different regions of the face or neck swelling may be linked with oral cancer.

  3. Is oral cancer curable?

    Oral cancer is treatable, especially when detected early. Thus, oral cancer screening plays a huge role in the prognosis of oral cancer.

  4. Can oral cancer be a sign for the presence of cancers in other parts of the body?

    5. Yes, it is common for cancers from the kidney, lungs, breasts, or prostate to metastasize to the jawbones.

  5. Do oral cancers recur?

    6. Yes, oral cancers can recur. This makes regular screening very important to catch recurrences early.