What are the statistics for oral cancer in the U.S.?
Incidence: Oral cancer represents a significant portion of all cancers diagnosed worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that there were around 54,000 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in 2021. Mortality: Oral cancer is associated with a relatively high mortality rate. In the US, it is estimated that around 10,850 deaths occurred due to oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in 2021.
During an oral cancer screening, a dental or healthcare professional examines your mouth and oral tissues to detect any signs or symptoms of oral cancer or precancerous conditions. The purpose of the screening is to identify abnormalities or potential indicators of oral cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective. Here is an overview of what typically happens during an oral cancer screening:
How does a dentist check for oral cancer?
Medical History Review: The healthcare professional will begin by reviewing your medical history, including any risk factors or symptoms that you may have reported.
Visual Examination: The healthcare professional will visually inspect your face, lips, neck, and oral cavity, looking for any abnormalities, such as lumps, swelling, asymmetry, or changes in skin color or texture.
Examination of Lips and Oral Cavity: Using a gloved hand and sometimes a tongue depressor or specialized instruments, the healthcare professional will carefully examine your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth (palate), tonsils, and throat. They will look for any unusual or suspicious areas, such as red or white patches, ulcers, sores, or any other abnormalities.
Palpation: The healthcare professional may gently palpate (feel) the lymph nodes in your neck and under your jaw to check for any swelling or enlargement, which could be a sign of cancer spread.
Additional Tests: In some cases, additional tests or procedures may be performed during the screening. This may include using a special dye or light to enhance visualization of abnormal areas (such as with a VELscope examination) or taking a biopsy of suspicious tissue for further analysis.
Patient Education: Throughout the screening process, the healthcare professional may provide education about oral cancer risk factors, symptoms to watch for, and lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
Does vaping cause a risk of oral cancer?
The long-term effects of vaping on oral health are still being studied, and the full extent of its potential risks, including its association with oral cancer, is not yet fully understood. However, there is growing evidence to suggest that vaping may have detrimental effects on oral health.
Here are some points to consider: Chemical Composition: Vaping devices (e-cigarettes) typically heat and aerosolize a liquid solution containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. While the vapor produced by e-cigarettes contains fewer harmful substances compared to traditional tobacco smoke, it still contains potentially toxic chemicals.
Nicotine: E-cigarettes deliver nicotine, which is addictive and can have negative effects on oral health. Nicotine restricts blood flow, which may impair wound healing and compromise the health of oral tissues.
Dry Mouth: Vaping can contribute to dry mouth (xerostomia), as the heat and chemicals inhaled from e-cigarettes may disrupt saliva production. Saliva plays a crucial role in oral health by helping to cleanse the mouth, neutralize acids, and prevent tooth decay. Irritation and Inflammation: The chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols can irritate the oral tissues, leading to inflammation and potential damage. This can manifest as gum irritation, increased sensitivity, and potential tissue changes.
Altered Oral Microbiome: Emerging research suggests that vaping can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the oral microbiome, which may have implications for oral health. Imbalances in the oral microbiome have been associated with various oral health conditions, including gum disease and oral infections. While specific studies linking vaping to oral cancer are limited, it is important to note that the potential risks and long-term effects of vaping on oral health are still being investigated.
Given the known risks associated with nicotine addiction and the potential harm to oral tissues, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider the potential oral health consequences when using e-cigarettes. If you have concerns about the effects of vaping on oral health, it is recommended to consult with a dental or healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on the most up-to-date research and clinical knowledge.
Here are some important thinks to look for that could alert you to possible signs of oral cancer:
- A sore or lump in the mouth that does not heal within 2-3 weeks.
- A red or white patch in the mouth that does not go away.
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing, chewing or speaking.
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness.
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth or lips.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to see your dentist or healthcare provider right away. Keep in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis to determine the cause. Early detection of oral cancer is key to successful treatment and recovery.
Early detection of oral cancer is important. The 5-year survival rate for people with oral and oropharyngeal cancers is approximately 65%, but this varies depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. - Bruce Huberman, DMD
