Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in Metro Atlanta
Hearing the words “oral cancer” can feel scary. If you or a loved one is facing this condition, having the right information makes a big difference. The Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery team can explain the disease and help you take control of your health. Our doctors in Metro Atlanta have years of training and experience in recognizing and managing issues in the mouth, teeth, and facial regions. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and map out a care plan tailored specifically to you and your smile.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a disease that grows in the mouth or upper part of the throat. It can appear on your lips, the inside of your cheeks, your gums, or the roof or floor of your mouth. It can also affect your tongue and tonsils. Like other forms of cancer, it starts when cells grow out of control and form a tumor. Regular checkups with your dentist or oral surgeon play a huge role in finding these abnormal cells before they grow larger.
Is Oral Cancer Deadly?
Oral cancer can be life-threatening, especially if it goes unnoticed for a long time. When the disease spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes much harder to manage. However, when doctors find and treat the cancer early, the chances of a full recovery are very high. Regular screenings are essential for your long-term health.
Recognizing Oral Cancer Symptoms
Catching the disease early requires knowing what oral cancer looks like. Many people brush off early signs as a simple toothache or a cold. If you experience any of the following oral cancer symptoms for more than two weeks, you should schedule a visit with our doctors:
- A sore in your mouth or on your lip that doesn’t heal
- White or red patches on your gums, tongue, or the lining of your mouth
- A lump or thickening in your cheek
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
- Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
- Pain in one of your ears without hearing loss
- Feeling like something is caught in your throat
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Understanding oral cancer causes can help you make healthier lifestyle choices. Doctors know that certain habits and conditions increase your risk of developing the disease, with the most common factors including:
- Tobacco Use – Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using chewing tobacco, greatly increases your risk.
- Heavy Alcohol Use – Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period can damage the cells in your mouth.
- Sun Exposure – Spending too much time in the sun without protecting your lips can cause cancer on the outside of your mouth.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Certain types of this common virus are linked to cancers in the back of the throat.
Can Zyns Cause Oral Cancer?
Zyn is a popular brand of nicotine pouches. Because these pouches don’t contain real tobacco leaves, many people wonder if they’re safe. While they don’t carry the same risks as chewing tobacco, they do contain nicotine and other chemicals. Doctors are still studying the long-term health effects of using nicotine pouches. Because the research is ongoing, it’s wise to be cautious and talk to a doctor before using these products.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
You can take several active steps to lower your risk of developing oral cancer. Healthy daily habits protect your mouth and keep your body strong:
- Avoid using all forms of tobacco. If you currently smoke or chew tobacco, seek professional resources to help you quit.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Wear a lip balm that contains sunscreen whenever you go outside.
- Visit your dentist and oral surgeon regularly. They can spot minor changes in your mouth long before you feel any pain.
Ways to Treat Oral Cancer
If our doctors find cancer in your mouth, we’ll create a plan based on your specific needs. The right choice depends on the size of your tumor, its location, and your overall health. Common oral cancer treatments include:
- Surgery – Our surgeons may remove the tumor and some healthy tissue around it to ensure no cancer cells remain.
- Radiation Therapy – This method uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy – We can use strong medicines to destroy cancer cells throughout your body.
Often, our care team uses a combination of these approaches to give you the best chance of recovery.
Contact Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery for Oral Cancer Guidance Today
Taking care of your oral health is vital. Whether you’ve noticed an unusual sore or simply want to schedule a routine screening, Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery is the team to call. We serve patients at locations throughout Metro Atlanta, so contact us today to schedule a consultation near you.