Oral Cancer Screening for Optimal Health in Valparaiso

Tobacco is one of the top two risk factors for oral cancer. Individuals with a history of cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, pipe smoking or chewing tobacco are more likely than non-tobacco users to develop oral cancer. There is a higher risk of developing oral cancer with prolonged use and the amount of tobacco. Smokers are more likely to develop oral cancer anywhere in the mouth or in the throat region. Pipe smokers have a higher incidence of developing cancer of the lips because the pipe is resting between the lips. Individuals using chewing tobacco are more
common to develop oral cancer of the cheek, gums and inner portion of the lip. Tobacco also causes gum recession, gum disease, destruction of the jawbone and tooth loss.

Alcohol increases the risk for developing oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Nearly 70% of individuals with oral cancer are heavy alcohol users.

The risk of oral cancer is higher in individuals who smoke and drink. According to several studies, heavy smokers and drinkers are at risk for oral cancer by as much as 100 times higher than non-smokers and non-drinkers.

HPV16 has been shown to be a risk factor for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. HPV infection can be spread from one to another through sexual activity. There is an increase in HPV-linked cancers and is speculated to be from increase in sexual activity in youths, specifically in oral sex.
HPV can spread even when an infected individual shows no signs or symptoms. The American Cancer Society recommends the vaccine to decrease the risk from developing cancer.

Individuals with extensive exposure to sunlight (tanning beds included) for long periods of time are at an increased risk for developing cancer of the lip. Limiting exposure to ultraviolet light and is recommended to decrease your risk. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a lip balm with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, a broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) and water resistant.

Oral cancer is twice more common in men than women and is speculated that men are more likely to use tobacco and alcohol.

Oral cancer is more common in individuals around 55 years old. With HPV-linked cancers younger people are becoming more at risk.

Individuals with weak immune systems have a higher incidence of developing oral cancer.

This is a condition that can occur after a stem cell transplant. The donor stem cells recognize the patient’s cell as foreign and attack the cells. Many tissues of the body are affected and there is an increased risk of oral cancer.

Individuals with certain syndromes caused by inherited defects in specific genes have an increase in oral and oropharyngeal cancer specifically the syndromes Fanconi anemia (defects in the genes that help repair DNA, leading to the blood cancers leukemia or aplastic anemia) and dyskeratosis congenital (syndrome that can cause aplastic anemia, skin rashes, and abnormal fingernails and toenails)

Lichen presents in middle-aged individuals and affects the lining of the mouth and throat. Intra-orally the lichen planus present as “white lines” or “white spots.” Severe lichen planus may slightly increase the risk of oral cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends routine oral health care exams, brushing and flossing. Several studies suggest the overall health of the gums, mouth and teeth may impact oral cavity and oropharyngeal risk because of the many changes that occur with the bacteria in the mouth.