Pain Relief – Part 8 – More, more Lesions / Medications – Autoimmune, Cancer
This category of pain relief is for these lesions is a problematic one…
in their early stages there is no pain!
Also, when it’s obvious what the lesion is it’s too late.
There are lesions that appear to not cause immediate discomfort or pain. You may think that’s not so bad. The problem is when it’s obvious there is an issue, it’s too late. Often a dentist will notice changes in the mouth, usually a colour change or an ulcer that does not heal. Basically, it means there is a chronic irritation that the body is responding to. This causes changes in the structure or processes of some cells to change.
Some of these changes appear as white patches on the gingiva or mucosa of the mouth, i.e. the pink internal skin that covers the bones and muscles. This is called leukoplakia. Sometimes we know the causes of these irritations, such as smoking spices and alcohol. Other times we don’t know the cause, such as in a condition known as lichen planus. The leukoplakia appears as squiggly white lines, known as striae. Many believe it is an autoimmune disease, and can be quite irritating.
However, any chronic irritation from any cause can lead to changes within the cells. This may eventually lead to precancerous conditions. This needs to be observed closely and even biopsied or even begin more treatment. With the example of Lichen Planus concern is raised when the appearance of the condition becomes very inflamed and some layers of the mucosa are lost. This is called an Erosive Lichen Planus and is precancerous and needs further investigation and treatment.
There are areas of the mouth where any change to the appearance of the mucosa is viewed with concern are:
- The floor of the mouth (under the tongue behind the front teeth)
- The tongue – especially along the edges
- The lips – especially for melanomas
- The internal aspects of the cheeks
Essentially any changes or any lesion that does not heal in two weeks, such as an ulcer, should be monitored and tested. Unfortunately, cancer does not always cause pain, especially in the early stages. When it’s obvious what it is, it’s often too late.
Risk Factors
- Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes)
- Excessive amounts of alcohol
- Sunlight (especially for lips)
- Betel nut, chewing tobacco, snuff
- Viral infections e.g. human papilloma virus (HPV) – may be transmitted by oral sex
- Diet deficiencies (especially Vitamin A, C and E)
- Age (increases as we get older)
- Genetic tendency
- Chronic irritations
Oral cancer is primarily associated with smoking but studies have revealed that 25% of those diagnosed have NEVER SMOKED!
Early Detection
At Seymour Dental we encourage regular visits to not only to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy but the whole of the mouth and lips are checked as well. This enables the dentist to look for the early signs of oral cancer.
Signs of Oral Cancer
- Any sore that does not heal in two weeks in the mouth or on the face, neck or lips
- Lumps, swellings on the lips or in the mouth
- White, red or dark patches anywhere in the mouth
- Bleeding in the mouth that repeats
- Mobile teeth
- Difficulty in moving tongue, jaw or swallowing
- Dentures wearing becoming difficult
- Lump in neck
- Earache that does not stop
- Numbness, pain in the face, mouth or neck
- Abnormal taste in mouth
Please note that if there are early signs of oral cancer, with no known risk factors, then the risk of progression of the cancer is much HIGHER.
What next?
If the dentist detects a suspicious lesion
- He may take a photo and observe over time for any further changes
- Determine other causes for the lesion e.g. chemical reaction or trauma
- Remove tissue for a biopsy to determine exactly what is happening to the cells
- Refer to a specialist oral surgeon for his opinion
- Promote changes in lifestyle to reduce or prevent the risk of cancer. Ring Quitline 13 78 48
- Encourage preventative measure such as SPF30 sunburn cream on the lips, nose and wearing hats to prevent skin cancers
Remember early detection of cancer reduces the amount of treatment and increases survival.
Regular examinations by the dentist can save your life.
Every six months (one hour a year) is all we ask.
Need an Appointment?
If you’d like to book an appointment with the dentist at Seymour Dental then call us in Dulwich Hill, Sydney on (02) 9564 2397 or
contact us
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