Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, floor, and roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, and gums. This group is often forgotten about, more so compared to other cancers. However, taking care of your oral health is vital to prevent serious health conditions like cancer. Here is a comprehensive guide to optimal oral health, as recommended by a Mohs surgeon:
1. Quit Tobacco Use
Using tobacco is a major risk factor for oral cancer. It can also cause other types of damage to your mouth. Consider quitting if you smoke or use any type of smokeless tobacco product.
You might be at a higher risk of oral cancer if you:
- Smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes
- Chew tobacco or betel nut
2. Protect Yourself from Sun Exposure
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your lips. Spend a lot of time outdoors? Wear a broad-brimmed when you go outside.
Lip balm with SPF can also help to protect you from sun damage. Use a broad-spectrum lip balm with at least SPF 30.
A broad-spectrum label means the lip balm will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.
3. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Use
Excessive alcohol use can lead to oral health problems, including dry mouth. Limit yourself to one or two drinks per day if you drink alcohol.
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol weakens your immune system and increases your risk of oral cancer.
4. Protect Yourself Against HPV
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It can infect your oral cavity and lead to cancer. HPV can be passed through oral sex, so it’s important to use protection.
Practicing safe sex and getting regular screenings for HPV are essential for reducing your risk.
5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups are important for your oral health. Seeing a dentist twice per year (or more, if necessary) can help catch oral health issues before they become serious.
Your dentist can also perform screenings for signs of cancer. In addition, they can provide tips to help you protect your teeth and gums.
Regular cleanings, screenings, and preventive measures are the keys to keeping your mouth in good shape.
When to Visit a Mohs Surgeon
Visit your Mohs surgeon if you observe:
- Unexplained mouth sores or ulcers that won’t heal
- Mouth pain or difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
- White or red patches inside your mouth
- Lumps or bumps on the outside of your mouth, tongue, or lips
These symptoms can indicate the presence of oral cancer and should be treated as soon as possible. Your Mohs surgeon can conduct a diagnosis by:
Reviewing Your Medical History
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, including any risk factors for oral cancer, such as smoking or heavy alcohol consumption. They will also ask questions about your symptoms, like:
- How long have you had the symptom?
- Have there been any changes in its severity or frequency?
- Do any activities make your symptoms worse?
Performing a Physical Examination
Your Mohs surgeon will physically examine your mouth, lips, and neck. They will perform a thorough scan to check for any signs of oral cancer.
They will also look for signs of precancerous cells, which can be caught early and treated before they become cancerous.
Ordering Imaging Tests
Your Mohs surgeon may order imaging tests to get a complete picture of your oral condition. These tests can show the size and location of any tumors or cancerous cells.
Some common imaging tests include MRIs and CT scans.
Performing a Biopsy
Your Mohs surgeon may also take a biopsy, which removes a small tissue sample for laboratory testing.
This is usually done if there are suspicious growths, ulcers, or other signs that may indicate oral cancer.
Treatment for Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include:
- Mohs surgery – This microsurgical procedure removes thin layers of skin, one at a time. It is often used to treat basal cell carcinomas, but it can be used for lip cancer.
- Radiation therapy – This treatment uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
The Best Mohs Surgeon in Miami, FL
Searching for the best Mohs surgeon near you in Miami? Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center’s very own Dr. T.J. Giuffrida is the one you are looking for. Dr. Giuffrida is one of the very few fellowship-trained and board-certified skin cancer surgeons who perform Mohs surgery. He can provide comprehensive surgical and nonsurgical treatment and also educate you on how you can prevent skin cancer from developing in the first place.
To know more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (305) 461-2000 or fill out our secure online appointment request form.
We look forward to helping protect you against oral cancer!
