What Are Oral Lesions? (Precancerous and Cancerous)
Precancerous oral lesions are abnormal cell growths in or around the mouth. They may become cancer. Cancerous oral lesions are life-threatening cell changes in the mouth. These lesions need to be detected early to give you a better chance for a cure.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of precancerous and cancerous oral lesions may include:
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A sore in the mouth that doesn`t heal within 3 weeks
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White or red lesions or ulcers on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth that don`t go away
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Tenderness or pain in the mouth that persists
Your Evaluation
See your dental professional about any sore or pain in the mouth that doesn`t go away in 3 weeks. He or she will ask questions about your medical and dental history. Your entire mouth, including your lips and teeth, will be checked. A biopsy or other tests may also be done.
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A biopsy is the best way to find out if a lesion is precancerous or cancerous. During a biopsy, the area around the lesion will be numbed. A part of the lesion will then be removed and sent to a lab to be examined under a microscope.
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Other tests may be helpful in making the diagnosis. They include:
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Staining. The area in your mouth around the lesion may be stained with a special dye. The dye binds to cancerous cells, staining only these cells. After a few hours, the color from the dye will disappear.
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Cytology. Your dental professional may scrape the surface of the lesion to obtain cells. The cells are then sent to a lab, where they are examined for cancer.
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Treatment
Your treatment will depend on the nature of the oral lesion. Your dental or medical professional can tell you about types of treatment, which may include:
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Surgery
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Radiation therapy
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Combination therapy (Both surgery and radiation therapy may be used to treat advanced cases of oral cancer.)
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Chemotherapy
Prevention
The best way to catch any problems early is to have regular oral checkups. To help reduce your risk for oral cancer, follow the tips below.
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Get oral checkups. Visit your dentist at least 2 times a year.
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Don`t use tobacco. Tobacco use increases the risk for oral cancer. It`s never too late to stop using tobacco.
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Limit alcohol. If you drink a lot of alcohol, you may be at a higher risk for oral cancer.
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Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may lower your risk for oral cancer.
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Use good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth each day. If you wear dentures, keep them clean.
