Oral pre-cancer - Do I need to worry?

In this blog and several future blogs we want to tackle the topic of oral cancer! Cancer itself the feared subject, well the only way to diminish that fear is to talk openly about it and demystify the taboo!

Every dental check-up we do at Paste will screen for lesions that appear odd, strange or different and we will flag this to you quickly, it’s our philosophy!

One of the conditions we screen for is called erythroplakia!

What is Erythroplakia?

Erythroplakia is a potentially malignant disorder or a precancerous lesion, which really means that it is oral tissue which has a higher risk of developing into a cancerous lesion than normal unaffected oral mucosa. 

It is so important to stress that indeed not all erythroplakia will progress to cancer and the risk of progression can vary dependent on the size and site of the lesion and other factor such as heavy smoking, the use of chewing tobacco or excess alcohol consumption.

When we do a dental oral health assessment or cosmetic dental assessment, we screen the oral mucosa for any deviations away from normal healthy mucosa. Often signs of an appearance consistent with erythroplakia would be picked up at this stage, but it is only through tissue cell biopsy that a definitive diagnosis can be confirmed.  

Early diagnosis of these lesions is key, given their potential, if left untreated, to develop into a cancerous lesion, so it is vital regulars visits are paid to your dentist for routine oral health screening, dental check-up, care and advice! Smoking has a big link to this condition, so we are always keen to educate and inform so patient’s can keep a close eye on their own help and know what symptoms to look out for!

What are the main characteristics of erythroplakia?

Erythroplakia is usually a painless, slow growing red patch on the oral mucosa, floor of your mouth or tongue, which can be raised, reddened and looks quite different to healthy oral tissue. While not painful, often these areas can bleed easily when scraped or touched with a toothbrush! These areas are most commonly caused by years of heavy smoking, the use of chewing tobacco and excess alcohol consumption. Sometimes poor oral hygiene, a neglected care routine, poorly fitting dentures and infection of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can be associated. It seems to occur in older individuals and can indeed present without no clear cause or presence of any of these risk factors.

What to do?

Call us today and book a dental health assessment and soft tissue screening at Paste.

We can offer advice and care to ensure your mouth is in optimal health, reducing risk factors and putting your mind at rest!