• 7/1/2005
  • Houston, TX
  • staff report
  • MD Anderson’s CancerWise (www.cancerwise.org)

Brushing your teeth – it’s something you do every day, but have you ever looked beyond your teeth to see what else is back there?

You and your dentist are the best defense against oral cancer. “Your dentist is in a unique position to not only screen the oral cavity, but also the head and neck areas, checking for abnormal nodes or lumps, and tissue and skin changes that may indicate cancer or an infection,” says Bela Toth, D.D.S., professor in M. D. Anderson’s Department of Head and Neck Surgery.

The most common cancer in the mouth, Toth says, is a squamous cell carcinoma. Premalignant lesions occurring in the lining of the mouth also are frequently seen. They may appear as white, thickened areas or as a red patch.

Tips for examining the inside of your mouth

Since detecting cancer in its earliest stages affords a better chance for survival, a thorough oral and head and neck screening should be part of a routine dental examination. What can you do between dental visits to ensure good oral health?

Using a mirror, look for anything unusual while examining your lips, teeth, gums, tongue and cheeks. If you notice any of the following signs, contact your physician. These may indicate cancer or some other underlying problem:

Lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks
Lump in the mouth
Lump elsewhere, such as the face, jawbone and neck
White/red patch on the gums, tongue or mouth lining
Unusual bleeding or pain
Difficulty chewing or swallowing

For information about screening, diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers, contact the M. D. Anderson Information Line at 1-800-392-1611.