Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer

April is National Oral Cancer Awareness Month.

Do you know the signs?

Over 700 cases of mouth cancer are detected in Ireland each year. About half of all mouth cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. Earlier diagnosis results in easier treatment, better outcomes and a higher quality of life after treatment.

Mouth Head and Neck Cancer is a diverse group of squamous cell cancers that affect the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Overall, it is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with an annual estimated incidence of 550,000 cases with over 700 of those in Ireland and around 300,000 deaths.

A regular checkup with your dentist should include an examination of the entire mouth for early detection of cancerous and precancerous conditions. You should also know what to look for while cleaning your mouth. If you observe any of the tell tale signs listed below, make sure to see your dentist so that any relevant signs or symptoms can be evaluated.

Check your mouth frequently

Mouth Cancer can affect the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, palate, tonsil, throat, salivary glands, nose and voice box (larynx). Some of the telltale signs may include:

• A sore or ulcer in your mouth or on the lip that does not heal.
• Difficulty or pain on chewing and swallowing
• Persistent sore throat, hoarse voice or difficulty speaking
• Unexplained loose tooth
• A lump in the mouth or neck
• Persistent pain in the face or jaw
• Numbness of the tongue or face
• Persistent nose bleeds and blocked or stuffy nose
• Persistent white or red patches on the inside lining of the mouth or on the tongue

Did you know that dentists can look for signs of oral cancer during routine dental exams? Most mouth cancers can be detected at an early stage by a simple screening examination as part of a regular dental check up.

The Value of an Oral Examination

If the dentist can find an obvious cause for the signs of symptoms, he or she may be able to treat promptly and check for signs of healing subsequently. Some signs may require a more detailed investigation including a biopsy or referral to a specialist centre. Regular dental checkups are essential to prevent late diagnosis of mouth cancer.

Risk Factors

Mouth cancer occurs more frequently in men than women, particularly in men over the age of 50. This trend is changing with the incidence in women, including younger women, increasing at a rate of 3% a year since 1994.

Factors that can increase risk of mouth cancer:

• Smoking or tobacco chewing combined with heavy alcohol consumption especially spirits
• Prolonged exposure of facial area to sunshine, especially among farmers and gardeners
• Working with certain chemicals or dusts increases risk of cancer in nasal area
• Human papilloma virus (HPV) through sexual contact can increase risk of mouth cancers
• Diet low in fruit and vegetables increases risk of mouth cancer

A good dental health routine, including regular dental checkups combined with increased awareness of the signs and symptoms, can play an important role in the early detection and treatment of mouth ulcers.