Can oral cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Sun Ming Yue

Medical Oncology

Updated on September 16, 2024

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Oral cancer cannot be detected through a CT scan. Oral CT, also known as cone beam CT (CBCT), is referred to by dentists as CBCT. This type of scan is more effective for assessing hard tissues. If one wants to examine soft tissues, the results are not as good. CT scans are only effective for observing the teeth and jawbone within the mouth, and can only identify the presence of a tumor, but cannot differentiate between benign and malignant tumors. Therefore, oral cancer cannot be detected using this method.

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Is a gum lump oral cancer?

Many oral diseases can present with gum swelling, such as gingivitis, periodontal abscess, and periapical periodontitis, all of which can cause swelling. Therefore, gum swelling is not necessarily indicative of oral cancer. However, the early symptoms of oral cancer are not very clear and typically include persistent oral ulcers that heal slowly, bleeding, pain, and swelling. Particularly in patients over 40 years of age, if such symptoms are present, it is advisable to visit a dental specialist hospital for an examination to treat the primary disease timely and to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

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Oral cancer most commonly occurs at what age?

Early signs of oral cancer include persistent ulcers, pain, and abnormal growths, often with symptoms not very obvious initially, which many may overlook. Severe cases can manifest as difficulty in swallowing, a burning sensation in the mouth, and symptoms like lumps and nodules, which can lead to other complications. Oral cancer can occur in any group but is predominantly seen in adults, especially in those over the age of 40. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention in clinical settings. If there are discomforts in the mouth, persistent ulcers, particularly in individuals over 40, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly to rule out the possibility of oral cancer.

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Medical Oncology

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How to stop bleeding from oral cancer?

The symptoms of oral cancer generally include localized ulcers, accompanied by pain, bleeding, and local infection. The tumor itself can cause bleeding symptoms, such as in ulcerative oral cancer, where the ulcer may gradually enlarge and easily cause bleeding during eating. It is recommended that patients undergo localized radiotherapy treatment, primarily aimed at stopping bleeding. Cancer treatment can also be conducted simultaneously, resisting tumor growth, and also helping to stop the bleeding.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo

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Can oral cancer be cured?

Once oral cancer is diagnosed, it is confirmed as malignant, and only a certain proportion of patients with early-stage disease can be cured. After the diagnosis of oral cancer, surgery is the preferred treatment option. It involves the removal of the clearly defined tumor within the mouth, and if necessary, dissection of the lymph nodes in the neck. After radical resection, adjunctive radiotherapy and chemotherapy are commonly used to improve disease control. Some early-stage patients can be cured after undergoing the above treatments. However, when oral cancer progresses to a certain extent, even after radical surgery and postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the risk of recurrence and metastasis remains high, making it incurable.

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Does oral cancer cause an increase in carcinoembryonic antigen?

When oral cancer occurs, there is a possibility that carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels may be elevated. Among the current mainstream tumor markers, CEA is the most broadly applicable. Elevated levels of CEA can occur in a variety of tumors. However, an increase in CEA does not necessarily mean that oral cancer is present. Due to the relatively superficial location of the oral cavity, specific physical examinations of the mouth, or direct visualization of the inside of the mouth using auxiliary instruments, can be used to detect lesions associated with oral cancer. Once oral cancer is diagnosed, the primary treatments are surgery and radiotherapy. After surgery and radiotherapy, adjunctive chemotherapy can be used to improve treatment efficacy.