HPV Virus & Oral Cancer Linked

Posted on Mar 08, 2017 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Some topics are a little embarrassing. Then again, some are so important that we have to get past it.

The Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that HPV is now the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives.

There are different types of HPV, some that cause genital warts and others that cause cancers. It is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone infected with the virus and can be passed even without signs or symptoms. And, symptoms may not appear until years after having sex with an infected person.

Until celebrities such as Iron Maiden lead singer Bruce Dickinson (diagnosed with tongue cancer) and screen star Michael Douglas (diagnosed with throat cancer) spoke up, the growing problem of HPV was fairly hush-hush.

However, the spread of HPV, also called human papillomavirus, is running so rampant that greater efforts are being made to heighten public awareness. Recent research indicates that over 42 percent of women have genital HPV infections and more than half of sexually active people are infected with one or more HPV types at some point in their lives.

There are two types of HPV – high risk and low risk. It is the high risk that accounts for an estimated 5 percent of all cancers. While most high-risk HPV infections resolve on their own within a couple of years, some HPV infections remain for many years. With these high-risk HPV types, there is greater risk of developing cancer.

Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections, with two types attributed to nearly 70 percent of all cases. HPV also causes about 85 percent of all cases of anal cancer and are found to cause close to half of vaginal and penile cancers.

HPV infections have also been found to cause cancer of the throat, soft palate, tongue and tonsils. Over half of the cancers diagnosed in the oropharynx (middle part of the throat) are linked to HPV. The prevalence of this cancer in the U.S. has increased so much for men during the past 20 years, it is estimated that the virus will cause more oropharyngeal cancers than cervical cancers by 2020.

When combined with a high-risk HPV infection, factors that increase the risk of developing cancer are:
    •    Smoking
    •    A weakened immune system
    •    Having many children
    •    Extended use of oral contraceptives
    •    Poor oral hygiene
    •    Chronic inflammation

As a Periodontist, I’ve seen how devastating oral cancers can be, with treatment often terribly disfiguring. It is one of the deadliest of all cancers, partly due to its poor survival rate. While I’m sure it was awkward for Michael Douglas and Bruce Dickinson to share their ordeal publicity, at least they were alive to do so. Forty percent of people with oral cancer don’t survive to five years past diagnosis.

While there is a vaccine for HPV, having an annual oral cancer exam is important. These are often part of your 6-month dental check-ups. Additionally, being aware of the warning signs is vital. These include a spot or sore in the mouth, tongue or lips that does not heal within two weeks; a persistent sore throat; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; or change in the voice. If any of these symptoms occur, do NOT wait until your next check-up. Be seen by your dentist or periodontal specialist immediately. With early treatment, oral cancer can be survivable.

For more information, call 828-274-9440 or schedule a prompt appointment if you’ve noticed any of the above mentioned symptoms.

Sores In The Mouth

Posted on Nov 03, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Tis the season! Not only is it cold season, it’s a stressful time of year. This means your likelihood of getting a cold or canker sore increases.

They are often confused, however. The difference is…

Canker Sores
Small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores appear inside the mouth. They are not contagious but their exact cause is uncertain. Some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.
Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore. A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible.
Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or so. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics, steroid preparations,  and antimicrobial mouth rinses can provide temporary relief.

Cold Sores
Also called fever blisters or Herpes simplex, these are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often erupt around the lips, under the nose, or around the chin. Cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 are very contagious.
Herpes lesions look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters that are most common around the edge of the lips. An outbreak may follow a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions or emotional upset.
Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Prescription antiviral drugs may reduce the duration of these kinds of viral infections.

However, any change to oral tissue that does not heal within 14 days should be examined without delay! This is a symptom of oral cancer. Nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal (throat) cancer each year. These cancers kill about 1 person every hour, every day.

The survival rate is one of the worst of all cancers. Of those who acquire oral cancer, only 57% are estimated to be living 5 years from now. The death rate is higher than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, thyroid cancer, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).

The death rate for these cancers has seen a slight decrease since 1980. Unfortunately, some symptoms do not emerge until the cancer has reached an advanced stage because symptoms can mimic a bite on the inside of your cheek.

Because tissue changes in your mouth are normal, ignoring symptoms can prove deadly. The most common are:

• white or red patch of tissue
• lesion in the mouth
• difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
• persistent sore throat
• a lump or mass inside the mouth or neck
• wart-like mass
• numbness in the oral/facial region

Although new cases have been dropping over the past few decades, a recent rise has been seen in throat cancers related to HPV (human papilloma virus) in white males under age 50. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62, but about a third occur in patients younger than 55.

Lesions or discolorations that are early warning signs are not always visible, particularly in the back portion of the mouth (the oropharynx, the tonsils, and base of tongue), which can be an obstacle to early diagnosis and treatment. This is yet another reason that keeping your regular oral hygiene exam and cleanings is so important. During these times, your dentist and hygienist look for unusual changes in the mouth that can indicate a problem. However, you should never wait until your scheduled appointment to have anything unusual examined.

Although a stubborn canker or cold sore may not be welcome, they tend to go away in a week or ten days. Again, if an unusual spot or sore is still present after two weeks, call 828-274-9440 immediately for an appointment.

Use HSA Funds Or Insurance Benefits Before End Of Year

Posted on Sep 22, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

As we’re staring October in the face, we realize that the end of 2016 is right around the corner. This typically prompts many of us to assess that list of things we wanted (or needed) to accomplish during the year. If you’re like me, there are a few things still hanging.

Each year, we begin with a number of goals. Now, we must face reality as to what we accomplished. Did we have our annual physical? Did we stick to our exercise/weight loss plan? Did we add to our retirement plan? And so on.

With three months to go in the year, this is no time to panic, but to act. However, as a periodontal specialist, I want to be sure your list includes a couple of items, whether you began the year with them or not. As you look at unused insurance benefits or available HSA funds, this is an excellent time to tend to 2016 goals.

First, did you have an Oral Cancer screening? If you had your 6-month dental check-ups and cleanings, that was likely a part of one of the visits. It’s wise to be certain, however. If you’re not sure, call your dental office and ask.

Did you stick to your daily brushing and flossing commitment? You can prevent much in the way of costs and treatment time by avoiding dental problems in the first place. Twice daily brushing (at least two minutes per time) and daily flossing is an excellent way to keep oral bacteria levels under control. Go further by using a tongue scraper each day. Or, brush your tongue at the end of brushing your teeth. This removes an enormous amount of oral bacteria that has taken up residence in your tongue.

Did you accomplish dental repairs to prevent tooth loss? Although I don’t place crowns, I see patients occasionally who have unfortunately lost a tooth because they postponed having one crowned. When your dentist finds cracks or fractures in teeth, he or she may advise having the tooth crowned. This is also the advice for teeth that are overloaded with fillings. If the tooth breaks below the gum line, it requires removal in most cases. Losing a natural tooth leaves you with a new list of expenses and treatment time. A crown can help you avoid this.

Did you achieve the smiling confidence you wanted? For people who wear dentures or partials, the associated discomfort and instability while chewing can be miserable. Dental Implants can solve these problems, restoring a dependable, secure bite. And, because Dental Implants are designed to last a lifetime, they are a wise investment. Begin with a consultation to discuss your best options.

Do you feel good about the appearance of your smile? People who smile often not only appear happier, they are. Research has shown that smiling releases brain chemicals called endorphins. These give us a happiness boost. And, it has also been found that people who smile often live, on average, ten years longer than frequent frowners (who actually decrease their lifespans by a year, on average).

Your smile is not only a part of your facial appearance, it complements your personality and supports your overall health and well-being. Be as dedicated to a healthy smile as you are having a healthy body because, when it comes right down to it, a healthy smile and a healthy body are meant to work as one.

 

Frightening Statistics Of Oral Cancer

Posted on Jul 11, 2016 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

When you ask the American population which cancer affects most adults, you usually hear replies of breast cancer or colon cancer. Yes, these cancers are widespread and can be deadly. However, several cancers have had the voices of famous celebrities to help bring them to the forefront. This has been a positive step in helping to save lives.

Being aware of the symptoms of cancers is important. It helps us detect early warning signs and see a doctor, who can take appropriate action. The publicity has also garnered governmental guidelines for regular screenings and even inspired the development of advanced technology. This has furthered the ability to catch the disease at its earliest stages.

Yet, for Oral Cancer, having a widely-known and influential public spokesperson has yet to occur. Quite frankly, even though your regular dental checkups and exams include an annual screening for Oral Cancer, that has left a large percentage of American adults unchecked.

The latest figures from the Centers Of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) show that only 62% of adults ages 18 – 64 have a dental check-up each year. So, if the key component in catching Oral Cancer early lies in the hands of a dentist, until the patient is in the dental chair, the challenge will continue.

What makes Oral Cancer so deadly is its ability to progress long before symptoms emerge. By the time they do, it becomes a difficult cancer to battle. Treatment is often very disfiguring. Even worse, it is known to be one of the deadliest of all cancers, taking the life of one American every hour of every day.

According to the National Cancer Institute Survey, there has been a 15% rise in oral cancer rates over the past three decades. Adult males are at the highest risk for Oral Cancer, with Black males being the most susceptible.

Oral cancer risk also increases with age, especially after age 50. Risk levels generally peak between ages 60 – 70. The highest rates have been noted with males between ages 50 – 59.

A particular factor that is spiking numbers in younger age groups is the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). Other risk factors (for all ages) includes tobacco and alcohol use. While most cases of oral cancer are linked to cigarette smoking or heavy alcohol use, combined tobacco and alcohol use increases the risk even more than the two risk factors combined.

Unfortunately, many people assume “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong.” This, I believe, is one of the reasons our nation has such high levels of periodontal (gum) disease and subsequent adult tooth loss. And, as rising Oral Cancer statistics show, the casual attitude toward dental exams can lead to far worse than losing teeth.

Be aware of warning signs of oral cancer, including:

•    A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in the mouth, lip, or throat
•    White or red patch inside the mouth
•    Feeling something is stuck in the throat
•    Difficulty chewing or swallowing
•    Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
•    Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
•    Unexplained swelling of the jaw
•    Pain in an ear without hearing loss

While the symptoms above do not always indicate Oral Cancer, any that do not clear up on their own within 2 weeks should be examined immediately. Being proactive can mean the difference between resolving the problem simply or disfiguring surgeries, and even death.

A Periodontal specialist has extensive training in the treatment of the soft tissues in the mouth. A periodontist is your best choice when any unusual symptom in the mouth arises and is your first step in protecting your smile and adding to a healthy YOU.

Call 828-274-9440 for an examination appointment. Also, the American Cancer Society has excellent information at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/oralcavityandoropharyngealcancer/detailedguide/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer-key-statistics