When you visit Antalya Dental Clinics for your routine six-month dental check-up, you receive more than just a teeth cleaning. Each visit includes an essential oral cancer screening, a critical step in the early detection of oral cancer. Oral cancer, which can affect the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, and gums, is a serious condition that requires early detection for the best chance of successful treatment. The Oral Cancer Foundation emphasizes that dental oral cancer screenings are the first line of defense against this disease.

Understanding Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April, we want to address some common questions about oral cancer. What are its causes? How can you recognize the symptoms? And what should you do if you or a loved one is diagnosed?

Causes of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can be caused by several factors, including:

• Tobacco Use: Both smoking and smokeless tobacco are significant risk factors.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: The risk is even higher when combined with tobacco use.
• HPV-16 Exposure: This strain of the human papillomavirus is also associated with cervical cancer.
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of cancer on the lips.
• Genetics: A small percentage (less than 7%) of cases may be linked to genetic factors.
• Gender: Men are currently diagnosed with oral cancer at twice the rate of women, although this gap is narrowing, likely due to increased tobacco and alcohol use among women.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The symptoms of oral cancer can be subtle but persistent. Key warning signs include:

• Mouth Sores: Persistent sores and pain in the mouth.
• Sore Throat: A chronic sore throat that doesn’t go away.
• Patches in the Mouth: White or red patches on the tongue, tonsils, cheeks, or gums.
• Lumps or Swelling: Unexplained lumps, swelling, or thickening in the cheek, lips, gums, or tongue.
• Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing: Ongoing problems with swallowing or chewing.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene.

It’s important to note that while many people experience these symptoms occasionally, the key concern is when they do not heal or persist over time. If this is the case, it’s crucial to schedule an oral cancer screening as soon as possible.

Treatment Options

Like other cancers, oral cancer is often treated with surgery to remove the tumor or affected tissue. If the cancer has spread or if cancerous cells remain, further treatment with radiation or chemotherapy may be necessary to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for more than 90% of cases.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of oral cancer through regular screenings dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment, with survival rates as high as 80-90% when caught early. Unfortunately, about two-thirds of oral cancers are not detected until they are in advanced stages, at which point the survival rate drops to around 43% after five years.

To reduce your risk of oral cancer, consider making these lifestyle changes:

• Stop using tobacco products.
• Limit your alcohol consumption.
• Reduce sun exposure and use sunscreen on your face and lips.

Most importantly, don’t neglect your regular dental check-ups. Even if you feel that you are in tune with your oral health, a dentist has the expertise to detect early signs of oral cancer that might not be noticeable to you. Early detection is key.

If you’ve missed your check-ups or if you’re concerned about oral cancer, contact Antalya Dental Clinics today to schedule an oral cancer screening. Your health is our priority, and we’re here to ensure you receive the best care possible.