Oral Cancer Screening Cairns

Some of the most common symptoms of oral cancer include sores on the mouth or lips that don’t heal over time; a growth in the mouth; loose teeth; pain when swallowing; a lump in the neck; unexplained bleeding from the mouth; constant earache; numbness in the face, lips, neck or chin; jaw pain; tongue pain; and unexplained weight loss. In many cases, however, people don’t notice any symptoms until oral cancer has reached an advanced stage, which is why we recommend that you see us for regular screenings.

During an oral cancer screening, we will perform a thorough soft tissue and hard tissue examination to check for any abnormalities. Your dentist will examine the roof and floor of your mouth, as well as the back of your throat, tongue, cheeks and the lymph nodes in your neck. If any abnormalities, such as a growth or lesion are identified, your dentist will perform a biopsy to send for testing at a laboratory. They may also recommend an x-ray or CT scan to check if cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Unfortunately, oral cancer often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. In fact, many people don’t notice any symptoms until the disease has reached a serious stage. We recommend regular oral cancer screenings, particularly for individuals who are over the age of 40 years old; those who smoke and drink alcohol; and young people who are sexually active, especially with numerous sexual partners. Early diagnosis goes a long way in providing a better outcome for treatment and recovery, so it’s important that you get your mouth screened for oral cancer as recommended by your dentist.

Oral cancer can be caused by a combination of various factors, including genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices. While it’s not always possible to determine the exact cause of oral cancer in an individual, there are several known risk factors associated with the development of this condition. Here are some of the common causes and risk factors:

1. Tobacco use (smoking, chewing)
2. Excessive alcohol consumption
3. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
4. Poor oral hygiene
5. Betel quid and gutka use
6. Sun exposure (lip cancer)
7. Age and gender (more common in men over 45)
8. Family history of cancer
9. Weak immune system
10. Vaping.

It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee the development of oral cancer, and individuals without these risk factors can still be affected. Regular dental checkups and screenings are crucial for early detection and timely intervention. If you have concerns about oral cancer, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Has your dentist routinely performed an oral cancer assessment at every examination?

Oral cancer can occur in various parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, gums, and the roof or back of the mouth. The main types of oral cancer are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the second most common type of oral cancer. It develops from the squamous cells that line the oral cavity. Squamous cell carcinoma can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, or the roof or floor of the mouth.
• Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and affects areas where the sun reaches. While it is a malignant and locally destructive cancer, fortunately it has less frequent spread to other parts of the body ( metastasis).
• Verrucous carcinoma: This is a less common subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. It typically appears as a slow-growing, wart-like lesion and tends to have a better prognosis compared to other types of oral cancer.
• Minor and major salivary gland carcinoma: Salivary gland tumours can develop in the minor salivary glands, or the major glands, the parotid, submandibular and sublingual which are glands located throughout the mouth and throat. These tumours can be cancerous and require proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Lymphomas: Lymphomas are cancers that affect the lymphatic system. While they primarily occur in lymph nodes, they can also develop in the oral cavity.
• Sarcomas: Sarcomas are rare types of oral cancer that originate in the connective tissues, such as muscles, bones, or blood vessels of the mouth.
• Melanoma: Although less common, melanoma can develop on the lips or in the oral cavity. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.

It’s worth noting that oral cancer can also metastasise to other parts of the body. Early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes in oral cancer cases. If you suspect any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

Oral cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic tests. Here are the common methods used for diagnosing oral cancer:

1. Physical examination of the mouth and oral tissues.
2. Biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
3. Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or ultrasounds.
4. Endoscopy to visualise deeper areas of the oral cavity.
5. Blood tests to evaluate general health and organ function.
6. Use of our Velscope Oral Cancer Screening tool. We have the only one in Cairns to our knowledge.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the healthcare team will determine the stage of the cancer, which helps guide the appropriate treatment plan. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for oral cancer, so regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screenings are important, especially for individuals with risk factors or suspicious symptoms. If you suspect you may have oral cancer, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention from a healthcare professional.