gum cancer

Gum cancer, also known as periodontal cancer or oral cancer affecting the gums, is a type of head and neck cancer that begins when cells in the upper or lower gums grow out of control and form lesions or tumors [2]. This condition can manifest itself through various symptoms, including:

• A white or red patch on the gums
• Bleeding or painful gums
• Lump or thickening of the gums

It's essential to note that gum cancer is a type of oral cancer that affects the gums specifically. The symptoms mentioned above are often indicative of this condition [5].

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gum Cancer

Gum cancer, also known as oral squamous cell carcinoma, can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• White, red, or dark patches on the gums: These patches can be a sign of gum cancer, especially if they don't go away with treatment.
• Bleeding or cracking gums: Gum cancer can cause bleeding or cracking in the gums, which can be painful and persistent.
• Thick areas of the gums: In some cases, gum cancer can cause thickening of the gums, making them appear swollen or lumpy.

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common signs and symptoms, gum cancer can also manifest as:

• Pain in the mouth that doesn't go away: Persistent pain in the mouth can be a sign of gum cancer.
• Loose teeth: Gum cancer can cause loose teeth due to bone loss or destruction of the jawbone.

Early Detection is Key

It's essential to catch gum cancer early, as it can be highly curable when diagnosed and treated promptly. If you notice any unusual changes in your gums or mouth, consult a dentist or healthcare professional for further evaluation.

References:

• [4] The most common oral cancer symptom is a flat, painless white or red spot, or a small sore.
• [7] white, red, or dark patches on the gums; bleeding or cracking gums; thick areas of the gums. Gum Cancer Treatment. Gum cancers are highly curable when diagnosed ...
• [8] Another common symptom of oral cancer is pain in the mouth that doesn't go away.

Diagnosing Gum Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview

Gum cancer, also known as oral cancer, can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history evaluation, and various diagnostic tests.

• Physical Exam: A thorough physical examination by a head and neck specialist is the first step in diagnosing gum cancer. This includes an examination of the lips, mouth, and surrounding areas to look for any unusual changes or lesions [1].
• Medical History Evaluation: Your doctor will also evaluate your medical history to identify any potential risk factors that may contribute to the development of oral cancer [7].
• Exfoliative Cytology: This test involves collecting cells from the affected area using a cotton swab. The collected cells are then examined under a microscope for any abnormal cell growth [2].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose gum cancer. It involves removing a small sample of tissue from the affected area, which is then sent to a laboratory for further examination [3][4].
• Endoscopy: This test uses a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end to visually examine the inside of your mouth and throat [4].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or Panorex X-rays may be used to determine how far the cancer has spread [8][9].

Key Takeaways

• A combination of physical examination, medical history evaluation, and diagnostic tests is used to diagnose gum cancer.
• Biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose gum cancer.
• Imaging tests are used to determine how far the cancer has spread.

References:

[1] Apr 30, 2024 - Tests and procedures used to diagnose mouth cancer include: Physical exam. Your doctor or dentist will examine your lips and mouth to look ...

[2] Oral cancer screenings can help detect early signs of oral cancer. But the only surefire way to find out if you have oral cancer is to collect suspicious cells ...

[3] Nov 15, 2023 — The only way to definitively determine whether you have oral cancer is to remove some abnormal cells and test them for cancer with a procedure ...

[4] Diagnosis of oral cancer · Health history and physical exam · Exfoliative cytology · Biopsy · Endoscopy · Nutritional assessment · Speech, swallowing and dental ...

[7] The first step in diagnosing mouth cancer will be a complete physical examination and medical history evaluation from a head and neck specialist. Your physician ...

[8] Diagnostic Imaging for Mouth Cancer ... As part of making a diagnosis, a radiologist will take special x-rays of your mouth, such as CT scans, MRIs, or Panorex.

[9] Main tests for mouth cancer · removing a small sample of cells from the affected area of your mouth for testing (a biopsy) · an X-ray, ultrasound scan, CT scan or ...

Treatment Options for Gum Cancer

Gum cancer, also known as oral cavity cancer, can be treated with a combination of therapies, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced or recurrent gum cancer. The targeted drug cetuximab (Erbitux) is commonly used in this treatment approach [1]. Cetuximab works by stopping the action of a protein that's involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells [2].
• Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy, such as monoclonal antibodies like cetuximab, can be effective in treating gum cancer. These drugs specifically target cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissues [3].
• Combination Therapy: Chemotherapy is often given with radiotherapy (radiation) for advanced or recurrent gum cancer. This combination approach can help improve treatment outcomes [4].

Commonly Used Chemotherapeutic Agents

Some commonly used chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers include:

• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin
• 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
• Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• Docetaxel (Taxotere)

References

[1] Apr 30, 2024 — Cetuximab (Erbitux) is one targeted therapy used to treat mouth cancer in certain situations. Cetuximab stops the action of a protein that's involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

[2] Dec 13, 2023 — Drugs Approved for Head and Neck Cancer · Bleomycin Sulfate · Cetuximab · Docetaxel · Erbitux (Cetuximab) · Hydrea (Hydroxyurea) · Hydroxyurea

[3] Mar 23, 2021 — Targeted drug therapy can be used to treat oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers by destroying cancer cells or slowing their growth.

[4] Jul 25, 2022 — For mouth cancer that is advanced or has come back, you may have chemotherapy with the targeted drug cetuximab. Chemotherapy is often given with radiotherapy (radiation) for this type of treatment.

Differential Diagnosis of Gum Cancer

Gum cancer, also known as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. Here are some differential diagnoses that should be considered:

• Actinic Keratosis: A precancerous condition characterized by a lump on the vermillion border of the lip [1].
• Erythroplasia: A brightly colored lesion that can be mistaken for OSCC [1].
• Cutaneous Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that can spread to the oral cavity, making it difficult to distinguish from OSCC [6].
• Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Another type of skin cancer that can mimic OSCC symptoms [6].
• Pyogenic Granuloma (Lobular Capillary Hemangioma): A benign vascular tumor that can be mistaken for a malignant lesion [6].
• Oral Fibromas: Benign growths in the oral cavity that can resemble OSCC [6].

Key Symptoms to Consider

When diagnosing gum cancer, it's essential to consider the following symptoms:

• Asymmetric lesions with irregular outlines
• Macular pigmentation
• Nodular growth
• Ulceration
• Melanosis

A biopsy is often necessary to confirm a diagnosis of OSCC [3].

References:

[1] May 5, 2021 — Differential Diagnoses · Actinic Keratosis. [3] Apr 11, 2019 — Oral cancer differential diagnosis. [6] Jun 26, 2018 — Differential Diagnoses · Cutaneous Melanoma · Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma · Pyogenic Granuloma (Lobular Capillary Hemangioma) · Oral Fibromas.