Can oral cancer be detected by a CT scan?

Written by Sun Ming Yue

Medical Oncology

Updated on September 16, 2024

00:00

00:00

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.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Cui Fang Bo

Oncology

51sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Wang Ji Zhong

Internal Medicine

54sec

home-news-image

Oral cancer is caused by what?

Oral cancer poses a significant threat to human life, and it is important to pay attention to early oral diseases to achieve the goal of early detection and treatment. There are many causes of oral cancer, mainly including the following points: The first is the patient's poor dietary habits, such as long-term alcohol abuse and smoking. Eating hard foods frequently can also cause chronic inflammation. Moreover, neglecting oral hygiene and not having the habit of brushing teeth morning and night can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi, causing inflammation in the mouth, which can induce oral cancer. Another cause is prolonged irritation of the oral mucosa by inflamed gums, the roots of teeth, and unsuitable dentures, which can produce chronic ulcers and carcinogenesis. A deficiency in vitamin A is also somewhat related to the development of oral cancer.

home-news-image

Written by Sun Ming Yue

Medical Oncology

36sec

home-news-image

Oral cancer is prone to metastasize to locations

If you have oral cancer, the most likely place for it to spread is the throat. The mouth is connected to the throat, and cancer cells in the mouth grow very quickly. These cancer cells also have a high tendency to spread. If left unchecked over time, there is a possibility that they will spread throughout the body. Moreover, since the mouth and throat are so close to each other, the throat is the most likely first place to be affected. If a patient discovers they have oral cancer, they should seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from spreading.

home-news-image

Written by Yan Chun

Oncology

53sec

home-news-image

How long will it take for the swelling to go down after flap surgery for oral cancer?

After undergoing flap surgery for oral cancer, the surgical incision will generally need one to two months to reduce swelling. After the swelling has subsided, some sensation in the affected area will start to return. For patients with oral cancer, flap surgery is primarily conducted due to the extensive skin damage caused by radical excision of the cancer. Therefore, substitute surgery using a flap is necessary to ensure the postoperative appearance. However, after flap surgery, patients may experience some rejection reactions to the new flap, leading to swelling and redness at the site of the surgical incision. This condition generally subsides after anti-inflammatory treatment and natural absorption, typically within one to two months post-surgery.

home-news-image

Written by Li Cui

Dentistry

59sec

home-news-image

Does frequent oral ulcers easily lead to oral cancer?

Patients who frequently suffer from oral ulcers generally do not easily get them. Patients should not worry too much. Pay attention to oral hygiene in daily life. If the occurrence of oral ulcers is occasional, and not frequently appearing singly, it is recommended that patients can undergo localized treatment for oral ulcers. They can use oral ulcer patches, which are applied to the ulcerated area in the mouth and can help heal the ulcers. Additionally, it is suggested that patients should definitely pay attention to oral hygiene. They can appropriately use oral sprays, and it is important to rinse the mouth promptly after meals. Avoid eating spicy, irritating foods, and overly hot foods. Relax and if oral ulcers repeatedly occur severely, it is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly.