1 AnswerOral cancer can only be diagnosed with a biopsy, when a sample of tissue in the area is removed and examined under a microscope. However, your dentist can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation. If your dentist notices anything unusual during your examination, he or she might reexamine you in one or two weeks because it is possible that the questionable spot might heal during that time. Your dentist may also refer you to another dentist or a physician for a second opinion.
1 AnswerYour dentist will not be able to diagnose cancer during an examination. Oral cancer can be diagnosed only with a biopsy, when a sample of tissue in the area is removed and examined under a microscope. However, your dentist can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation.
2 AnswersStephen Black, Dentist, answeredAbsolutely! Hygienists are trained to do a thorough oral exam that includes checking for suspicious oral lesions along with your dentist. Together, they will make an assessment if any follow up care is advisable -- such as a referral to an oral surgeon for evaluation or biopsy. There are many aids in dentistry now that can aid in evaluating oral lesions -- it is essential that your oral health care providers perform this service for you.
4 AnswersBen Amini, Dentist, answeredSymptoms
Sore, lump, or ulcer in the mouth:
- May be a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
- Most often pale colored, but may be dark or discolored
- On the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
- Usually painless at first (may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced)
- Chewing problems
- Mouth sores
- Pain with swallowing
- Speech difficulties
- Swallowing difficulty
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Tongue problems
- Weight loss
4 AnswersHillel Ephros, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, answered
Yes, oral cancer can be detected early, but most often, the diagnosis is made in advanced stages of the disease. The best outcomes are associated with oral cancer detected when it is no bigger than a penny and has not penetrated more than a millimeter or two into the mouth lining tissue. At that point, most oral cancers do not cause pain or numbness and what is visible in the mouth is usually a subtle red, or red and white area without any bleeding, crusting, or lumpiness. People often miss or ignore the early changes because they are subtle and painless. Also, early mouth cancer can look very similar to common non-cancerous mouth sores so that proper evaluation by a dentist or a physician is necessary. Any change from the normal appearance of your mouth lining tissues that does not go away in two weeks must be examined by a professional. Some of the products and tests available to dentists and physicians may help to see the area better and to determine whether it contains cells that show signs of being disturbed. However, a biopsy, sampling a small piece of the affected tissue, is necessary to make the diagnosis.
2 AnswersThese treatments can potentially cause suppression of the immune system or cause mutations in genes that may increase a risk for recurrence or new cancers. Fortunately, this risk is low.
The risk for bacterial and fungal infections is greater and fairly common. A most common risk is inflammation and ulceration (termed mucositis) that is associated with pain and often prevents adequate nutrient intake and weight loss. Lack of saliva and altered taste occurs to varying degrees, and can increase the risk for cavities and gingivitis.
1 AnswerRealAge answeredThere are no alternative treatments for oral cancer, or mouth cancer, that can be considered possible cures. Instead, traditional medical treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, are most effective in treating oral cancer.
Alternative therapies, however, may help with a common side effect of oral cancer treatment: exhaustion. Options include meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques; acupuncture; or massage therapy.
2 AnswersJonathan B. Levine, DMD, Dentist, answeredAlways remember, early detection is vital to prevention. The earliest prevention lies in making slight changes to your lifestyle. You can lower your risk of oral cancer while maintaining a healthier lifestyle by limiting alcohol consumption and tobacco use, limiting exposure to UV radiation or excessive sun, practicing safe sex, and eating foods high in antioxidants.