oral cancer

There are many types of oral cancer, affecting different parts of the mouth. The most common site is the side of the tongue, but cancers can also occur anywhere in the mouth: on or under the tongue, on the floor or roof of the mouth, behind the teeth, on the gums or inside the cheek.

The commonest risk factors for mouth cancer are smoking or chewing tobacco, and heavy drinking. Some other possible causes include persistent Candida (yeast) infections of the mouth, viruses, immune deficiency disease, long-standing dental trauma or infection, sunlight or radiation (particularly for cancer of the lip), dietary deficiencies or anaemia. If severe, the cancer can spread to the jaw or the lymph glands in the neck.

Oral cancer has usually affected older people in the past, particularly men, but younger people and women are now increasingly being seen with the disease. People from ethnic minority groups who chew paan or betel quid are also at risk, as are people on lower incomes.

Reddish or whitish pre-cancerous patches are the usual early signs of oral cancer, or a mouth ulcer that does not clear up.

Oral cancer is curable, but small cancers are much more treatable than large ones. It is very important that the cancer is diagnosed and treated early before it spreads. Treatment is usually by radiotherapy or surgery, and mouth reconstruction may be needed if the cancer is extensive.

At each dental checkup your dentist will check your whole mouth, not just your teeth, looking for signs of diseases of the mouth. Special mouthrinses are becoming available which may reveal signs of oral cancer that are invisible to the eye. The government is keen to encourage regular screening for oral cancer for those at risk.

The most important thing you can do is to visit the dentist regularly in order that any early signs of cancer can be detected early. Don't delay seeking advice if you have a sore in your mouth for over two weeks or a persistent lump that will not heal. It may well not be cancerous, but a check will enable the dentist to assess whether the problem needs investigating.

Click here for the oral health care routine