Man shocked after going to the dentist with toothache – only to be told he has prostate cancer
A HEALTHY 78-year-old man went to his dentist with a wobbly lower left pre-molar, hoping for a quick fix.
After evaluating the situation, the dentist decided the best course of action was to remove the tooth entirely to stop any further pain.
However, in the days and weeks following the extraction, the man’s jaw began to swell.
Concerned, he returned for a follow-up, which led to a CT scan revealing a lesion in his jaw.
Further tests confirmed it was metastatic prostate cancer, a condition where prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
"Prostate cancer, like many other cancers, can metastasize to the jaw," Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at , told Sun Health.
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"This is because the jawbone has a rich blood supply and active bone marrow, making it a favourable site for metastatic cancer cells to settle and grow."
Metastatic prostate cancer is relatively rare in the jaw, but when it does occur, it’s usually a sign that the cancer has spread widely.
Symptoms of jaw metastases can be subtle and often mimic more common dental problems - which can make it harder for dentists to detect more serious underlying conditions.
"Patients may experience symptoms such as persistent swelling in the jaw, pain, loose teeth without an obvious cause, or delayed healing after dental extractions," Dr Bozic explained.
He said people may also notice "numbness or tingling in the jaw, which can signal nerve involvement".
In this case, the swelling that followed the man's tooth removal was a crucial clue.
"This is especially the case in older patients or those with a history of cancer, as these signs might indicate a deeper underlying issue," Dr Bozic added.
"Early recognition and diagnosis can be lifesaving in cases like these, even though jaw metastases often signify advanced disease."
If dental treatments aren’t working as expected or you notice something unusual, it’s really important to get checked out right away.
That could mean some imaging or even a biopsy - when doctors take a small tissue sample to test - to get to the bottom of things.
What are the symptoms every man needs to know?
In most cases, prostate cancer doesn’t have any symptoms until the growth is big enough to put pressure on the urethra – that tube you pee through.
Symptoms include:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee
- Weak flow
- Straining and taking a long time while peeing
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
Many men’s prostates get larger as they age because of the non-cancerous conditions, prostate enlargement, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In fact, these two conditions are more common than prostate cancer – but that doesn’t mean the symptoms should be ignored.
The signs that cancer has SPREAD include bone, back, or testicular pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
Source: Prostate Cancer UK
Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, and the most common in men.
Around 12,000 people lose their lives to the disease annually in the UK, and almost 400,000 around the world.
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Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), and blood in the urine.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better outcomes, which is why it’s important to pay attention to any unusual signs, both for dental and medical health.
BLEEDING GUMS
PERSISTENT bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation and potential tissue damage.
It's essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent further complications like gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is crucial, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
BAD BREATH
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of various dental issues, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or cavities.
But it could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues.
Dental check-ups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath typically involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
LUMPS AND SORES
WHILE occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent lumps or sores that don't heal within two weeks could be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other concerning signs include white or red patches, numbness, or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is crucial.
Sores in the mouth may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor, while monitoring for any signs of infection or malignancy.
WOBBLY TEETH
LOOSE teeth can indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve remaining teeth, possibly through procedures like scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
DIFFICULTY swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more severe issues like throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it's essential to seek medical or dental attention promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
CROAKY VOICE
A CROAKY or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, including acid reflux, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Addressing a croaky voice may involve lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke or excessive vocal strain.