Oral Cancer Signs, Symptoms & Treatment in Illinois
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancerous growths that develop in the mouth or throat, affecting areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, the floor of the mouth, and the hard and soft palate. As a subset of head and neck cancers, it can be life-threatening without early detection and treatment.
Importance of Early Detection
Did you know that Oral/Oropharyngeal cancer is one of the more common cancers worldwide? As with all cancers, early detection, diagnosis and treatment leads to more favorable outcomes.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is an exam to look for any signs of cancer in the mouth and is the why early detection from dental screenings is so important. As with any cancer, early treatment leads to a better prognosis.
Your dentist will feel in your mouth for any lumps, lesions or abnormalities.
What is included in oral cancer screening?
- The lining of your cheeks, gums and lips
- The entire tongue
- Both the floor and roof of your mouth
- Tonsils, if present
If anything is abnormal, you will be referred to an oral surgeon or a head and neck surgeon for further testing.
We at the Oral Cancer Institute take referrals and will continue your care through diagnosis and treatment.
Can you screen for oral cancer at home?
Yes, however, this should not take the place of getting this screening from your dentist. This is especially important if you have risk factors. Here is a link to see an example of an Oral Cancer Self-Exam.
Oral Cancer Signs & Symptoms
Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer is crucial for timely intervention. The size, location and type of cancer will determine proper treatment, which could include surgery, or surgery combined with radiation with or without chemotherapy. Symptoms may develop where the cancer has started.
Common oral cancer symptoms include:
- Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
- Swelling or thickening of tissues in the mouth.
- Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Unexplained numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth.
- A lump or mass in the neck or mouth.
- Chronic hoarseness, sore throat or muffled voice.
- Coughing up blood
- Ear pain
- Unexplained weight loss.
Causes & Risk Factors
Oral cancer can result from a variety of causes, many of which are preventable. Some key risk factors include:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes and using smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk for oral cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use, especially hard liquor, is linked to a higher likelihood of oral cancer.
- HPV Infection: The human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, is a major risk factor for oro-pharyngeal cancers or cancers in the back of the throat. 70% of all throat cancers are HPV related
- Prolonged Sun Exposure: Sun exposure Increases the risk of skin cancers as well as lip cancer.
- Age and Gender: Oral cancer is more common in men and typically occurs in individuals over 40.
Smoking and drinking alcohol together greatly increases the incidence of oral cancers. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a specialist promptly.
The frequency of oral cancers in people without recognized risk factors is growing. About 30 % of oral cancer patients present with no underlying risk factors. Thus screening is important regardless of whether one smokes or not.
Types of Oral Cancers
Most Common Oral Cancers
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Verrucous carcinoma
Minor Salivary Gland Cancers (Rare Types)
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Acinic cell carcinoma
- Polymorphous adenocarcinoma
- Oral melanoma
- Lymphoma of the oral cavity
- Kaposi sarcoma
Our Surgeons are Here to Help
Oral Cancer Diagnosis
All patients with a cancer diagnosis are presented at our multidisciplinary tumor board, which consists of our head and neck surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, geneticists, and speech and language pathologists allowing for a comprehensive treatment plan. If you suspect or have been diagnosed with an oro-pharyngeal cancer contact us to make an appointment for consultation with one of our surgeons at the Oral Cancer Institute.
How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing oral cancer early is key to successful treatment. Our diagnostic process includes:
- Physical Examination:
- A detailed inspection of the mouth, throat, and neck for abnormal growths, tumors, lumps, or discoloration.
- Biopsy:
- If an abnormality is found, a small tissue sample is taken and analyzed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
- For oropharyngeal cancer, HPV testing is performed to determine whether cancer is HPV related.
- Imaging Tests:
- Advanced imaging such as CT scans, MRI, or PET scans are used to determine the extent and stage of cancer.
What Are Your Treatment Options for Oral Cancer?
Treatment plans are customized based on the stage, location, and type of oral cancer. Our comprehensive approach may include:
- Surgery:
- Surgery is considered first line treatment for oral cavity cancers
- Removal of tumors and affected tissue while preserving as much function and appearance as possible.
- Surgery may involving sampling of the neck lymph nodes through a neck dissection or a sentinel node biopsy
- Surgery may be the only modality needed for early stage cancers (Stage I and II)
- Radiation Therapy:
- Targeted radiation is often used after surgery for late stage cancers (Stage III and IV)
- Radiation can be used as a stand alone therapy or in conjunction with chemotherapy for throat cancers.
- Chemotherapy:
- Can be used in conjunction with radiation to treat more advanced oral cancer cases.
- Chemotherapy is indicated in cases where lymph nodes exhibit extranodal spread (cancer spreading outside the lymph node) or in cases of cancers being present at the resection margin.
- Reconstruction and Rehabilitation:
- Reconstructive procedures: This includes the use of a myriad of regional and microvascular free flaps for the reconstruction of complex head and neck defects, to help to return patients to their pre-operative form and function.
- Rebuilding affected areas for functional and aesthetic recovery, including speech and swallowing therapy.
- Immunotherapy:
- Although not currently a first line therapy, Immunotherapy is reserved for patients with advanced unresponsive disease or recurrent disease. This promising therapy may become a first line therapy in the future.
Our multidisciplinary team ensures that you receive the most advanced and effective treatment, with a focus on quality of life and long-term health.
With both medical and dental degrees, our Oral Cancer Institute (OCI) head and neck cancer team is well versed in the maxillofacial reconstruction of complex cancer patients. We integrate the newest techniques such as sentinel lymph node biopsy to treat your cancer with the most updated methods. We are dedicated to helping patients maintain the best possible quality of life during and after treatment. Please contact us for consultation with one of our providers.
Living with Oral Cancer:
Living with oral cancer presents unique challenges, but with the right care plan and support, patients can manage their condition and enhance their quality of life.
Ongoing surveillance after cancer treatment.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups (surveillance visits) with your surgeon are crucial for monitoring progress, detecting recurrences, and addressing side effects. Per NCCN guidelines, the follow up protocol is as follows:
- Year 1: Monthly visits
- Year 2: surveillance every other month
- Year 3: Surveillance every three months
- Year 4: every 6 months
- Year 5: every 6 months
- Greater than 5 years: Annual check up.
Your follow up care will depend on what types of treatment and care that you have had. You and your doctor will discuss the plan that best meets your needs. Physical and dental exams, blood work, imaging tests and supportive care are typically included in this care.
Therapies:
- Rehabilitation Services: Speech and swallowing therapy can help restore oral functions affected by surgery or treatment.
- Nutrition evaluation
- Physical Therapy (PT): PT can be helpful in patients that develop shoulder weakness after surgery.
- Lymphedema treatment: This may be needed in patients that develop lymphedema that doesn’t resolve spontaneously.
- Supportive care: Help to quit smoking and tobacco and alcohol use counseling.
- Mental health screenings for depression: Referrals for individual or group counseling.
Managing Side Effects
- Dry Mouth: Use saliva substitutes or stay hydrated to combat this common side effect which occurs in patients that undergo radiation therapy.
- Oral Hygiene: Rigorous and frequent dental visits and oral hygiene is especially important in patients that have undergone radiation therapy. Radiated teeth tend to develop cavities at a much faster rate. Regular cleanings every 3-4 months and fluoride trays are necessary. Extractions or infected teeth in radiated jaws may lead to severe complications such as osteoradionecrosis.
- Diet: Nutritionists and dieticians can provide guidance on what types of foods are most suitable for you.
- Emotional: Dealing with any cancer can affect your emotions. Please share any changes to your mood or ability to cope with your diagnosis. You are not alone. There are resources that we can give you to help during this time.
Thriving After Oral Cancer Treatment
While oral cancer may present challenges, many patients go on to lead fulfilling lives post-treatment. By following your care plan, attending regular check-ups, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can manage your condition effectively and focus on recovery and wellness.
If you have questions about oral cancer management or post-operative care, reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support.
Schedule an appointment
At the Oral Cancer Institute, we are dedicated to providing compassionate care, early detection, and advanced treatment options for oral cancer. If you have concerns about symptoms, a diagnosis, or your risk factors, don’t wait—reach out to our team today. Our experienced specialists are here to guide you through every step of your journey, from initial consultation to comprehensive treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward expert care and peace of mind. Together, we can work towards ensuring your health and well-being.