Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, affects the oral cavity and mouth. It can be detected early through oral cancer screening, especially with advanced tools like the VELscope system.
- VELscope Screening: Emits safe blue light causing oral mucosa to fluoresce.
- Healthy tissues: pale green fluorescence.
- Abnormal tissues (early cancer cells, pre-cancerous lesions): darker or irregular areas.
- Benefits: Non-invasive, low-cost, enhances detection beyond the naked eye.
- Recommended for: Individuals at increased risk (tobacco users, heavy drinkers, HPV infections, family history).
Risk Factors for Developing Oral Cancer
- Tobacco use (smoking, chewing tobacco) — major risk factor.
- Heavy alcohol consumption — increases risk, especially combined with tobacco.
- HPV infection (notably HPV-16 and HPV-18) — significant risk for oropharyngeal cancers.
- Poor oral health and low fruit/vegetable diet.
- UV radiation exposure — risk for lip cancer.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
- Early signs: white or red patches on tongue, gums, or mouth lining.
- Other symptoms: unexplained bleeding, chronic sore throat, pain, weight loss.
- Advanced symptoms: difficulty swallowing, numbness or loss of sensation in jaw/lips/tongue, swelling or lumps in the neck.
Importance of Early Detection
- Early detection improves survival rates significantly.
- Regular oral cancer screening identifies abnormal cells/tissues early.
- Five-year survival rate much higher when caught early.
- Regular dental check-ups and self-examinations recommended.
Oral Cancer Screening
- Visual examination of lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, hard palate.
- VELscope uses blue light to highlight abnormal tissues.
- Screening is low-cost, non-invasive, and essential for early diagnosis.
- Recommended by the World Health Organization for high-risk individuals.
Oral Health and Prevention
- Maintain good oral hygiene: brushing, flossing, dental check-ups.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol.
- Protect lips from UV radiation using UV-ab blocking sunscreen.
- Be vigilant if family history or other risk factors exist.
HPV Infection and Oral Cancer
- HPV infection is a key risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers.
- Vaccination against HPV-16 and HPV-18 reduces risk.
- Spread through skin-to-skin or mucosal contact.
- Early detection improves treatment outcomes.
Family History and Oral Cancer
- Family history increases risk, especially with squamous cell carcinoma.
- Requires vigilant oral health and regular screenings.
- Genetic counseling may be advised for strong family history.
Oral Screening and Detection
- Performed by dentists or healthcare providers.
- VELscope helps detect abnormalities not visible to the naked eye.
- Regular screenings reduce risk and improve outcomes.
- Seek medical attention for symptoms like difficulty swallowing, sore throat, or weight loss.
Treatment Options
- Depends on cancer stage, location, and patient health.
- Common treatments: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy.
- Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces complications.
- Multidisciplinary care ensures best results.
Managing Oral Cancer
- Comprehensive approach including treatment, supportive care, follow-up.
- Manage symptoms like pain, swallowing difficulty, weight loss.
- Maintain healthy diet and oral hygiene.
- Regular follow-ups to monitor and adjust treatment.
Sun Exposure and Lip Cancer
- Outdoor sun exposure increases lip cancer risk.
- Use UV-ab blocking sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Early detection and treatment improve prognosis.
- Regular screenings advised for those with significant sun exposure.