Changes in Appearance - Cancer and More

Discolorations and growths:

If you see a change in skin color, a raised lump, or an ulcer, ANYWHERE in your mouth, you should go visit a dentist and get it diagnosed. If a diagnosis cannot be made by the dentist then a small biopsy should be done and sent to a laboratory for a definite diagnosis and treatment plan. The good new is, many of these changes are harmless, pose no risk to you, however, note that both cancers and harmless conditions can show as swellings, color changes, ulcers, or pimples (called nevi) that often look very much alike.

Move quickly on any oral changes

It is important to take notice for how many days a color change or growth is present in the mouth. If the change in color or a growth is still visible after a week to ten days, then it must be diagnosed by a dentist either visually in the office or through biopsy. Many common non-cancerous conditions will heal without treatment within a week or so. This includes:

• traumatic irritations (such as a pizza burn, lip biting, or a fall)

• ulcers of known causes, such as viral ulcers

• many ulcers of unknown causes

  Remember, a cancerous lesion, and also some autoimmune conditions, do not heal.

Don’t do your own diagnosing

Beware that many conditions appear very similar to the eye. Some are harmless and some are serious.

Here are some examples:

• Oral melanoma is a serious cancer that can be confused with normal pigment (color) in the gums or dark areas that are often seen around silver fillings. Don’t be afraid to ask about a dark area. Point it out to a dentist during your exam.

• Leukoplakia is a pre-cancerous change often caused by smoking and excess alcohol use. Commonly it is found on the tongue, the side of the mouth, or floor of the mouth (under the tongue). Leukoplakia can be confused with leukoedema which is a harmless white patch possibly caused by irritation, and with lichen planus, which is believed to be an autoimmune condition.

• Ulcers and cancer can be confused. Cancer can appear anywhere in the mouth and at times will mimic ulcers. One hint in telling them apart is that the common aphthous ulcer (known as a ‘canker sore’) is painful whereas early cancer growths are not. Furthermore, aphthous ulcers will heal by the second week and a cancer growth will still be present and won’t show signs of healing.

Oral cancer is one of the most common malignancies in both the developing and developed countries. The most common mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection should be easy, however, it is often overlooked by patients. Treatment consists of surgical removal, radiation and chemotherapy which has greatly improved survival rates.

The causes of oral cancer

Alcohol use and smoking have always been, and remain, the main cause. The amount of tobacco use and the number of years used has a direct correlation to  cancer risk. The good news is that by quitting smoking, the cancer risk goes down - although the risk does not totally disappear. Other possible contributors to oral cancer is poor home care, dietary deficiencies and excessive red meat consumption.

See the white patches? It is leukoplakia on the

tongue. A pre-cancerous growth. This patch

should be biopsied by your dentist. It can

easily be confused with leukoedema and

lichen planus.

(Italian J. Dental Medicine)

Most oral cancers (over 90%) are called ‘

squamous cell’ which begin on the surface of

the tongue, lip, floor of the mouth, palate, and

elsewhere. Notice how this cancer is a simple

white mark (called a ‘plaque’). The key here is

time. If it is still there after ten days, have a

dentist check it out. Take a close look at the

similarity to leukoplakia above.

What can you do about oral cancer?

Frequent dental check-ups (at least every six months) will allow your dentist to find unusual changes early.

• Any color change in the mouth should be checked.

• Any non-healing soar should be checked.

• Any new growth or swelling of any kind should be checked.

Reduce (or eliminate) all tobacco use. Alcohol

should be used in moderation. Use sunblock on

your face and lips. Eat your fruits, vegetables,

and get plenty of vitamin C and E. These dietary

suggestions are not fully proven but are

strongly suggested.

Click on the button. You will link to information on gum disease (known as ‘periodontal disease’). This will give you information on the appearance and treatment of gum problems not related to growths.