Understanding Gingival Cancer
Gum cancer, or gingival cancer, is a type of oral cancer that begins in the squamous cells of the gums. It can appear on both the upper and lower gums and is often found in the area behind the wisdom teeth or near the base of the teeth.
Because it originates in the tissues directly overlying the jawbone, gum cancer requires a high level of surgical expertise. At Love Your Jaws, we focus on early intervention to prevent the cancer from spreading into the underlying bone, utilizing the most advanced 3D diagnostic tools available in South Miami.
Symptoms: Cancer vs. Gum Disease
One of the biggest challenges with gum cancer is that it is often mistaken for periodontal disease (gingivitis) or a simple irritation from a toothbrush or food.
| Feature | Periodontal Disease | Potential Gum Cancer |
| Bleeding | Occurs during brushing/flossing. | Spontaneous bleeding without provocation. |
| Healing | Improves with better hygiene/cleaning. | Does not heal or improve over 2 weeks. |
| Texture | Soft, swollen, or puffy gums. | Firm, hard, or “cauliflower-like” growth. |
| Color | General redness. | Distinct white (leukoplakia) or bright red patches. |
| Tooth Stability | Generalized mobility from bone loss. | A single tooth suddenly becoming very loose. |
Other Warning Signs:
- A persistent “sore” that feels like a canker sore but never goes away.
- Unexplained pain or numbness in the gum tissue.
- Dentures that suddenly no longer fit properly or feel “tight” in one area.
- A lump or thickening in the gum tissue that can be felt with the tongue.
Primary Risk Factors
- Tobacco Use: Smoking and, significantly, smokeless tobacco (snuff/chew) which sits directly against the gum tissue.
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Often works synergistically with tobacco to increase risk.
- Chronic Irritation: Long-term irritation from ill-fitting dentures or broken teeth.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains are increasingly linked to oral squamous cell carcinomas.
Advanced Diagnosis & 3D Imaging
If Dr. Dimitrov identifies a suspicious area, he will perform a targeted biopsy under local anesthesia. Because gum cancer is so close to the bone, we utilize 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) imaging at our South Miami facility to:
Detect Bone Invasion: Determine if the cancer has begun to erode the jawbone.
Map the Tumor: Create a precise 3D map for surgical planning.
Protect Vital Structures: Ensure nerves and healthy teeth are preserved during treatment
Surgical Excellence & Reconstruction
The primary treatment for gum cancer is surgical removal. Dr. Dimitrov’s goal is “clear margins” (removing all cancer cells) while maintaining the structural integrity of your jaw.
Why Choose Dr. Dimitrov
Elite Training: Earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut and completed residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident.
Proven Leadership: Awarded the prestigious Professor’s Cup for excellence in surgery, patient care, and academic achievement.
Meet Dr.Kroum Dimitrov
