The evolution of lung cancer surgery contributes to the sharpest drop in overall cancer mortality in the U.S.
Dentist Warns For Common Winter Issue That Could Be Early 'warning Sign' Of Mouth Cancer
A dentist has advised on a common oral health issue often exacerbated in winter, and what signs to look out for that it could point to something more serious going on.
While also feeling like it's flown by, 2024 has been a long year and many of us are beginning to feel run down, burnt out in the build up to Christmas, and the colder conditions certainly don't help our health either.
And there's one common oral health issue which can rear its head more now the temperature has dropped a few degrees.
It's good to keep an eye on this common winter issue (Getty Stock Images) Common winter issueUlcers can crop up anytime of the year but in winter they can be brought on more frequently, CareCredit explains, noting these types of ulcers in particular are known as 'canker sores'.
Its website states: "Canker sores are mouth ulcers that tend to peak during winter months due to the harsh dry air that makes soft mouth tissues more prone to injury and infections.
"This is because saliva is needed to rid the mouth of bacteria and food particles that can cause infections, and the dry air leads to reduced saliva in the mouth.
"Also, the winter season compromises our immune system and leaves us more vulnerable to infections in the mouth, like canker sores."
But when can mouth ulcers be a sign of something potentially more serious?
Do you have recurring mouth ulcers? (Getty Stock Images) Sign of something potentially more seriousWell, oral surgeon at Dentum, Dr Andrej Bozic said, as quoted by SurreyLive: "Most mouth ulcers heal within 10 to 14 days. If a sore lingers beyond that, it could indicate something more serious, such as oral cancer, an autoimmune disease, or a chronic infection.
"Dehydration and a higher risk of infections during colder months can aggravate mouth ulcers. But any sore that persists shouldn't be dismissed as seasonal - it's crucial to have it checked.
"One of the early warning signs of oral cancer is a non-healing ulcer. These are often mistaken for minor injuries, but any ulcer persisting for more than three weeks should be taken seriously."
And there are certain other symptoms to look out for.
Keep an eye out for other symptoms such as your throat hurting (Getty Stock Images) Other symptoms to look out forAlongside being aware of any ulcer which doesn't heal after three weeks, you should keep an eye out for red or white patches in your mouth as well as any lumps.
If you have any lumps or swelling in your neck or jaw or pain around your throat and mouth then it's good to keep a note of this too.
And particularly if it leads to you experiencing any difficulty swallowing, chewing or speaking.
However, there are ways to prevent and treat ulcers.
Gargling with salted water can help heal ulcers quicker (Getty Stock Images) How to prevent ulcersReducing or stopping smoking and drinking can help prevent ulcers from forming - alongside existing ulcers being able to heal.
Spicy and acidic foods can also aggravate ulcers if you're willing to wave goodbye to curries or fruit juices for a while.
If you do have an ulcer, washing your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt can help encourage healing and using a soft-bristled toothbrush can also ensure you're not aggravating the tissue inside your mouth which could lead to ulcers forming.
If you're concerned, it's always best to consult a medical professional.
Everything You Need To Know About Tongue Cancer
Tongue cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the tongue, and can cause lesions or tumors on your tongue. It's a type of head and neck cancer.
Tongue cancer can occur on the front of the tongue, which is called "oral tongue cancer." Or it may occur at the base of the tongue, near where it attaches to the bottom of your mouth. This is called "oropharyngeal cancer."
All of these parts of the body are covered in squamous cells.
Tongue cancer is classified using stages and grades. The stage indicates how far the cancer has spread. Each stage has three potential classifications:
The grade of the cancer refers to how aggressive it is and how likely it is to spread. Tongue cancer can be:
In the early stages of tongue cancer, especially with cancer at the base of the tongue, you might not notice any symptoms. The most common early symptom of tongue cancer is a sore on your tongue that doesn't heal and that bleeds easily. You might also notice mouth or tongue pain.
Other symptoms of tongue cancer include:
The cause of tongue cancer is unknown. However, certain behaviors and conditions can increase your risk, including:
Tongue cancer is also more common in older men than in women or younger people. Oral cancers are most common in people over 65 years old, and the rates start to increase dramatically after age 50.
To diagnose tongue cancer, your doctor will first take a medical history. They'll ask you about any family or personal history of cancer, whether you smoke or drink and how much, and if you've ever tested positive for the HPV virus.
Then they'll do a physical examination of your mouth to look for signs of cancer, such as unhealed ulcers. They'll also examine nearby lymph nodes, to check for swelling.
If your doctor sees any signs of tongue cancer, they'll do a biopsy of the area of suspected cancer. An incisional biopsy is the most frequently used type of biopsy. In this type of biopsy, your doctor will remove a small piece of the suspected cancer. This is usually done under local anesthesia in your doctor's office.
Instead of an incision biopsy, your doctor might do a newer type of biopsy called a brush biopsy. In this biopsy, they'll roll a small brush over the area of suspected cancer. This causes minor bleeding and allows your doctor to collect cells for testing.
Cells from either type of biopsy will be sent to a lab for analysis. If you have tongue cancer, your doctor might do a CT scan or MRI to see how deep it goes and how far it's spread.
Treatment for tongue cancer depends on how big the tumor is and how far the cancer has spread. You might only need one treatment or you might need a combination of treatments.
Early mouth cancer that hasn't spread can usually be treated with a small operation to remove the affected area. Larger tumors usually need to be removed with a surgery called a partial glossectomy, in which part of the tongue is removed.
If doctors remove a large piece of your tongue, you might undergo reconstruction surgery. In this surgery, your doctor will take a piece of skin or tissue from another part of your body and use it to rebuild your tongue.
The goal of both the glossectomy and reconstruction surgery is to remove the cancer while damaging as little of your mouth as possible.
Glossectomy can lead to severe side effects, including changes in how you eat, breathe, talk, and swallow. Speech therapy can help you learn to adjust to these changes. In addition, talk therapy can help you cope.
If the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes, those will likely be removed with surgery.
If you have a large tumor in your tongue or the cancer has spread, you'll probably need to have a combination of surgery to remove the tumor and radiation to ensure that all tumor cells are removed or killed. This can lead to side effects such as a dry mouth and taste changes.
Doctors may also recommend chemotherapy to treat your cancer, in combination with surgery and/or radiation.
The five-year relative survival rate for tongue cancer (which compares the survival of people with cancer with the expected survival rate for people without cancer) depends on the stage of the cancer.
If the cancer has spread far, the five-year relative survival rate is 41 percent. If the cancer has only spread regionally (for example, to lymph nodes in the neck), the relative survival rate is 70 percent. If the cancer has not spread beyond the tongue, the five-year relative survival rate is 84 percent.
As these survival rates show, earlier diagnosis leads to better outcomes. With early diagnosis, you can be treated before the cancer spreads.
If you have a lump, ulcer, or sore on your tongue that doesn't go away after a long period of time, you should see your doctor. Early diagnosis of tongue cancer allows for more treatment options, with fewer side effects, and a good five-year survival rate.
Oral Cancer Red Flag Mouth Symptoms Dentist Says Do Not Ignore After Two Weeks
A dentist has issued a stark warning that a common winter ailment could be a sign of a serious and potentially deadly condition. The expert warns that a persistent mouth ulcer might be a symptom of oral cancer.
With the arrival of winter's dry air, it's not uncommon for people to suffer from mouth ulcers. While most are harmless and clear up within two weeks, those lasting longer than three weeks could indicate a more serious problem, such as cancer or ongoing medical conditions.
Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, advises that any ulcer lasting for over two weeks should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. He said: "Most mouth ulcers heal within 10 to 14 days."
He cautioned that if an ulcer does not clear up in this timeframe, it could be a sign of something more severe, like oral cancer, an autoimmune disorder, or a persistent infection. He also pointed out that the winter season often worsens these issues: "Dehydration and a higher risk of infections during colder months can aggravate mouth ulcers. But any sore that persists shouldn't be dismissed as seasonal - it's crucial to have it checked," reports Surrey Live.
Key symptoms to watch out for include:
While these symptoms alone do not confirm cancer, Dr Bozic stressed that they should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare provider without delay, as early detection is key.
Dr Bozic warned that persistent ulcers could be a sign of serious underlying health problems. "A non-healing ulcer is one of the early warning signs of oral cancer," he said.
"Patients often dismiss these as minor injuries, but an ulcer that lasts more than three weeks should be taken seriously. It's crucial to look for other symptoms like red or white patches or lumps in the mouth."
Dr Bozic also highlighted the potential connection between these conditions and autoimmune diseases: "These illnesses can lead to chronic ulcers, especially during flare-ups, and require coordinated care between dentists and medical specialists."
He also pointed to infections as a cause of prolonged mouth sores, particularly for people with weakened immune systems: "The herpes simplex virus is a common culprit. These ulcers can last longer in winter when people's immune systems are more vulnerable due to stress or other illnesses."
Dr Bozic also emphasized the role of lifestyle choices in exacerbating the issue: "Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors not only for persistent ulcers but also for their progression to precancerous or cancerous lesions. Poor oral hygiene can worsen these effects."
In conclusion, Dr Bozic stressed the importance of regular dental check-ups as a preventative measure, stating: "Routine visits can reveal abnormal sores or subtle changes you might overlook," highlighting their crucial role in early detection of potential issues. He provided simple steps for managing mouth ulcers: "Stay hydrated, avoid irritants like alcohol or acidic foods, and use a mild toothpaste such as Sensodyne. These small changes can have a big impact."
However, if a sore lasts more than three weeks or is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck, it's advised to see a GP.
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