Why is oral cancer usually not detected early?

Studies have shown that most often delays in diagnosis of oral malignancies are due to patient delays. One of the most common causes for delay by patients to seek medical consult is lack of awareness. Patients do not realize the seriousness of the initial symptoms.

Can oral cancer go undetected?

Oral cancer often goes undetected by the patient because in its early stages, it may be symptom-free.

How can you tell if you have cancer in your jaw?

Oral and jaw cancer signs and symptoms

  • Pain or difficulty swallowing.
  • Painful mouth sores or ulcers that don’t heal.
  • Difficulty opening the mouth.
  • Red or white patches in the mouth that persist for weeks.
  • Bleeding from the mouth that is recurrent.
  • Halitosis, or bad breath.
  • Swelling that causes difficulty swallowing.

Can a dentist see jaw cancer?

Your dentist will not be able to diagnose cancer during an examination. Oral cancer can be diagnosed only with a biopsy, when a sample of tissue in the area is removed and exam- ined under a microscope. However, your dentist can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation.

How long does it take for oral cancer to develop?

Cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx usually take many years to develop, so they’re not common in young people. Most patients with these cancers are older than 55 when the cancers are first found. HPV-linked cancers tend to be diagnosed in people younger than 50.

Is oral cancer slow growing?

See Risk Factors for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers . Verrucous carcinoma is a rare type of squamous cell cancer that is most often found in the gums and cheeks. It’s a low-grade (slow growing) cancer that hardly ever spreads to other parts of the body.

Does jaw cancer show up on xray?

A few of those methods that are also used in the lip and oral cancer diagnosis and staging process are: X-rays: An X-ray of your entire mouth can show whether cancer has spread to the jaw. Images of your chest and lungs can show whether cancer has spread to these areas.

Can an xray show jaw cancer?

X-rays: An X-ray of your entire mouth can show whether cancer has spread to the jaw. Images of your chest and lungs can show whether cancer has spread to these areas.

Can you get cancer in your jaw?

Jaw cancer originates in the jaw in some cases. Types of jaw cancer include: Squamous cell carcinoma : Develops in the oral cavity lining and accounts for more than 95% of jaw cancers1. Primary intraosseous carcinoma : Squamous cell carcinoma that develops in the bone rather than tissues of the mouth2.