Department of Public Health Dentistry

Name: Khan Adiba Mohd. Zuber

3rd BDS Roll No. 43

SELF EXAMINATION OF ORAL CANCER

Contents:

1. What is Oral cancer?

2. Prevalence of Oral Cancer
3. Risk Factors
4. Signs and symptoms
5. Why is self examination of oral cancer important?
6. Step by step instructions
7. Conclusion

Introduction:

 Cancer is a decease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.
 Oral cancer includes any cancer that develops in the mouth.

Prevalence of Oral cancer in India:

 In India 20 per 100000 populations are affected by oral cancer which accounts for about 30% of
all types of cancer.
 Over 5 people in India die every hour every day because of oral cancer.
 According to the statistics, in 2012 the incidence of oral cancer in India is 53842 in males and
23161 in females.

Risk factors:

 Tobacco
 Alcohol
 Betel, quid and areca nut
 Gender – males
  Human Papilloma virus (HPV)
 Bad oral hygiene
 Family history of Squamous cell carcinoma
 Sun exposure
 Poor nutrition

Signs and Symptoms:

 Non healing ulcers on lips or within the mouth

 White, red, white and red, black patches in the mouth
 Lump or thickening of oral soft tissues
 Soreness or “lump” in throat
 Un explained in ear, mouth, neck and face
 Difficulty in moving jaw or tongue
 Hoarseness of the voice
 Numbness of tongue and mouth
 Restricted opening of the mouth
 Swelling of the jaw

Why is self examination of oral cancer important?

Step by step instructions:

 Look directly in the mirror and check for face and neck symmetry. Both halves of the face and
the neck should look symmetrical
 Place your fingers directly infront of the ear and slowly open and close. Clicking sounds can be
normal while pain or limited opening are not.
 Gently slide your fingers infront of the neck and notice for any tenderness, swelling or
discoloration.
 Gently grab the region near your “Adam’s apple” and swallow. It should move up and down
upon swallowing.
 Inspect the outside of your lips for any ulcers or crusted tissue.
Retract your lips and check the inside of your lips for any discolorations.
Press and feel your lips for any lumps.
 Pull your cheeks away from your teeth and examine the inside for any discoloration.
Then place your index figure inside and thumb on the outside and feel for any rough surfaces or
swellings.
 Raise the upper and lower lips to check the colour and conditions of the gums.
With your index figure feel your gums for any lumps.
  Stick your tongue out and check the top of your tongue for any discoloration or texture
changes.
Touch the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth and look for any changes.
Hold the tip of your tongue with a wash cloth and check the sides of the tongue for any
discoloration.
Hold the tongue between your figure and feel for any lumps.
 Check the floor of your mouth by looking and feeling from top and bottom simultaneously.
 Tilt your head back and check the roof of your mouth by looking and feeling.
 Say “Ah” and examine your tonsils for symmetry, enlargement, redness and unusual bumps.

Conclusion: