Oral cancer refers to cancer of the lip, tongue, pharynx, jawbone and oral cavity. Almost two-thirds of oral cancers occur in the mouth and about one-third are found in the pharynx.

Facts about oral cancer

Oral cancer occurs almost as frequently as leukaemia and claims more lives than melanoma or cervical cancer. It is the sixth most common cancer in men and the 14th most common cancer in women. More than 25 per cent of people who develop oral cancer will die of the disease.

Oral cancer can spread quickly. On average, half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.

Oral cancer is more common among black people; the incidence rate is one-third higher than in white people and the mortality rate is almost twice as high.

Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects twice as many men as women.

Most oral cancer is preventable. In fact, 75 per cent of oral cancer is related to tobacco or alcohol use or both substances. Using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at a much greater risk than using either substance alone.

Exposure to excessive sunlight is a risk factor for lip cancer.

The incidence of oral cancer in women has increased significantly largely due to an increase in smoking among women. In 1950, the male to female ratio was 6:1 and by 2002 it was 2:1

Signs and symptoms

See a dentist or physician if any of the following symptoms last for more than two weeks.

A sore irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip or throat.

A white or red patch in your mouth.

A feeling that something is caught in your throat.

Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue.

Numbness in your jaw that causes denture to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

Diagnosis

If an abnormal area is found, a biopsy is done to determine its cause or diagnosis. An examination of the tissue for cancerous cells is done and if cancer is present, additional tests must be done to determine if it is spreading and the affected areas.

You may also be asked to have a CT scan, ultrasonography or MRI performed. A CT scan is a series of X-rays to show the inside areas of the body. An ultrasonography is high-frequency sound waves that bounce off tissues and organs to tell us more about the inside area. The MRI is a procedure that takes pictures of internal organs using a magnet linked to a computer.

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the type and extend of the cancer diagnosed. Almost any cancer, when caught at an early stage, can be treated successfully. These treatments can include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Often oral problems such as mouth sores, tooth decay, dry mouth and lip peeling can occur with radiation and chemotherapy.

Prevention

The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco and alcohol use.

Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions.

Oral cancer is often preceded by the presence of clinically identifiable pre-malignant changes. These lesions may present as either white or red particles or spots; removing them before they become cancer is an effective method for reducing the incidence and mortality of cancer.

Cancer of the lip can be avoided with the use of lotion or lip balm with sunscreen and wearing a hat to block harmful rays.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above or have any questions, please contact your dental care provider. Remember that the earlier oral care cancer is detected and treated, the more likely it will lead to a better diagnosis for a healthier life.

Dr Dennis Jones is a dentist in private practice; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.