Empower Your Health: The Benefits of Routine Oral Cancer Screening

Learn about the importance of routine oral cancer screening and how it can empower your health.

Understanding Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers

Oral cavity cancer, also known as oral cancer, starts in the mouth, while oropharyngeal cancer begins in the middle part of the throat just behind the oral cavity. These cancers occur most often in the tongue, tonsils and oropharynx, gums, floor of the mouth, and other parts of the mouth. Less commonly, they may be found in the lips, minor salivary glands, and other sites.

Cancer develops when cells in the body start to grow out of control. The oral cavity includes various structures such as the lips, inside lining of the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa), teeth, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, bony roof of the mouth (hard palate), and the area behind the wisdom teeth (retromolar trigone). The oropharynx, which can be seen when the mouth is open wide, encompasses the base of the tongue.

To learn more about how oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers start and spread, it is important to understand their different sites and structures.

Risk Factors and Trends in Oral Cancer

Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women. They are slightly more common in White people compared to Black people. The average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64, but it's important to note that they can occur in young people as well, with over 20% of cases occurring in individuals younger than 55.

The lifetime risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is about 1 in 59 for men and 1 in 139 for women on average. However, it's essential to consider that various factors can affect an individual's risk for these types of cancer.

Incidence rates of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers have been increasing by approximately 1% per year since the mid-2000s, primarily due to a rise in cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV-positive cancers tend to have different characteristics compared to HPV-negative cancers. Additionally, the death rate for cancers of the mouth and throat has increased by 0.6% per year from 2009 through 2021, mainly attributed to a nearly 2% per year increase in oropharyngeal cancer mortality during that time period.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Early detection of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers is crucial for improving long-term survival rates. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these cancers, which may include:

- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal

- Swelling or lumps in the mouth or neck

- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth

- Difficulty or pain when swallowing

- Changes in voice or hoarseness

- Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips

If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

The Role of Routine Oral Cancer Screening

Routine oral cancer screening plays a vital role in detecting oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers at an early stage. Regular screenings, which are recommended once every three years for adults over the age of 20 and yearly for adults over 40, provide an opportunity for early detection and intervention.

During a screening, a dental professional will examine the mouth, throat, and neck for any signs of abnormalities or suspicious lesions. They may also perform additional tests, such as a biopsy or imaging studies, if necessary. Early detection through routine screening greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.

It's important to take advantage of every dental appointment as an opportunity for oral cancer screening and to discuss any concerns or symptoms with your healthcare provider.

Empowering Your Health Through Early Detection

Early detection of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers empowers individuals to take proactive steps in their health journey. By identifying these cancers at an early stage, patients have a higher likelihood of successful treatment and improved long-term outcomes.

Routine oral cancer screening not only helps with early detection but also raises awareness about the importance of regular dental visits and maintaining good oral hygiene. It provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to educate patients about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and preventive measures.

By prioritizing routine oral cancer screening, individuals can empower themselves to take control of their health and well-being.