Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral Cancer represents 85% of all head and neck cancers.  It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires early detection and prompt treatment.

Unfortunately, most cases of oral cancer go undetected because there are no obvious symptoms such as pain or obvious lesions. As a result, detection of oral cancer often happens during later stages of the cancer when it is much more serious and possibly has metastasized. Approximately 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, a type of cancer that begins in the flat cells lining the mouth and throat.

Routine oral cancer screenings are essential for early detection and improving outcomes. We perform oral cancer screenings in every oral exam during dental cleaning appointments. 

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Early Indicators

• Red and/or white discolorations of the soft tissues of the mouth
• Any sore that does not heal within 14 days
• Hoarseness that lasts for a prolonged period of time

Advanced Indicators

• A sensation that something is stuck in your throat
• Numbness in the oral region
• Difficulty in moving the jaw or tongue
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Ear pain that occurs on one side only
• A sore under a denture, which, even after adjustment of the denture, still does not heal
• A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth or on the neck

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Oral Cancer Screening With Velscope VX:

We are committed to protecting your overall health, which is why oral cancer screenings are a standard part of every dental hygiene visit in our practice. As part of our dedication to early detection, we’re proud to offer advanced screening using VELscope® VX. Used in all major cancer centers, the VELscope® grants dentists and medical professionals alike the ability to identify oral cancers early, before it is visible to the naked eye.

Early detection is critical – when oral cancer is identified at an early stage, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 83%.

As you can see, the Velscope is a wireless, handheld scope that uses natural tissue fluorescence to enhance the way we visualize oral mucosal abnormalities.

A patient’s experience with oral cancer (Early Detection)

After a diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the lingual surfaces of the lower front teeth, one of our patients underwent treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The treatment involved a partial resection of the mandible and the removal of five teeth (followed by a sixth at a later stage) to eliminate the affected bone and tissue.

This lifesaving procedure left a significant hole in the lower jaw, which required a reconstruction to restore function and aesthetics. It was a long journey, but it was successful. Our patient is now cancer-free and enjoying a full set of teeth and a new smile!