December 18, 2008— SARASOTA, FLORIDA — When faced with the fact that one American dies every hour from oral cancer, it’s no secret that general and cosmetic dentists throughout the nation are working to educate their patients on the importance of cancer screenings.Dr. Charles Crane, a cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, recently began conducting oral cancer screenings at community outreach events as a way of educating the public on this serious health risk.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 35,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. The majority of those- more than 25,000- will be diagnosed in men. They also estimate that nearly 7,600 people will die as a result of oral cancer this year.

There are two types of oral cancer. Oral cavity cancer starts in the mouth, while oropharyngeal cancer develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth called the oropharynx, according to the American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PRO/OralCancer.pdf). Oral cancer most frequently occurs in these areas of the mouth:

• the tongue (about 20-25 percent)
• the floor of the mouth (about 15 percent)
• the lip (about 10- 15 percent)
• the minor salivary glands (about 10-15 percent)

“Detecting oral cancer in its early stages is easier with the use of specially-designed fluorescent lights that scan the inside of patients’ mouths,” Crane said. “We as dentists are positioned to screen for this dangerous form of cancer because we are experts in oral health. The earlier we can detect it, the easier it is to treat.”
Crane uses Vizilite Plus for oral cancer screenings. It is a lesion identification system that also marks the areas in question. It is used in conjunction with traditional head and neck examinations for oral cancer, according to the Vizilite Plus Web site. (http://www.vizilite.com/about/) This system features a chemiluminescent light source to make it easier to see lesions and includes a blue phenothiazine dye to mark the lesions.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors involved with oral cancer. People with the following risk factors should be screened at least annually.

• Tobacco use- tobacco smoke can cause cancers anywhere in the mouth, while smokeless tobacco products are associated with cancers inside the lips and on the gums and cheeks.
• Heavy alcohol use- this can increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal and oral cavity cancers. Some studies indicate that those who smoke and drink heavily have a 100-fold increase in the risk of developing oral cancer.
• Sun exposure- people with outdoor jobs in which they are exposed to the sun have a higher risk of developing cancers of the lip.
• Poor nutrition- some studies have shown that people with diets low in vegetables and fruits have an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
• Human Papilloma Virus infection- There are more than 100 HPV-related viruses, and it is believed that some are linked to oral cancers.

Knowing the risk factors also provides people with the tools to decrease their risk of contracting oral cancer. Eating a healthy diet, eliminating tobacco use, controlling the use of alcohol and protecting the lips when exposed to the sun can go a long way toward keeping oral cancer at bay, Crane said.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptom of oral cancer is a sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal. Another indicator of oral cancer is a persistent pain in the mouth that does not go away.

Other signs and symptoms include:

• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• A red or white area on the lining of the mouth, gums, tonsil or tongue
• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulties in chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue

Suffering from any of these symptoms is not a guarantee that a person has oral cancer, Crane said. Many of these symptoms also can be caused by other cancers or by less serious problems.

“The key is to make an appointment to see your dentist if any of these signs or symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks,” he said.

Learn More

If you are interested in undergoing an oral cancer screening or you would like to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Sarasota, please visit the Web site of Dr. Charles Crane: www.drcharlescrane.com or call his office: (941) 923-3802.

About Dr. Charles Crane

Charles E. Crane, D.D.S. graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1981. He went on to complete a residency at UAB Medical School in Birmingham, Ala. in IV Sedation. In 2003, Dr. Crane acquired the practice of Steven J. Krouse, D.D.S. and focused on cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.

Dr. Crane has completed numerous post-graduate courses in reconstructive and cosmetic dentistry. He has studied intensely at the acclaimed Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies including courses in: Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction, Advanced Functional Aesthetics and Mastering Neuromuscular Occlusion.

Dr. Crane is one of only a few Sarasota dentists to offer IV Sedation to his patients. He attends the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Annual Scientific Session and the Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry education symposiums.

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