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Oral Cancer
How
common and how serious is oral cancer?
Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer, accounts for about 3.6 percent
of all cancers diagnosed, with roughly 40,0000 new cases of oral cancer
reported annually in the United States. The vast majority of oral cancers
occur in people older than 45 years, with men being twice as likely as
women to develop the disease.
The most frequent
oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and soft palate
tissues in back of the tongue, lips and gums. If not diagnosed and treated
in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain,
loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement following
surgery, and even death. Your general dentist can perform a thorough screening
for oral cancer.
What
causes oral cancer?
Scientists aren't sure of the exact cause of oral cancer. However, the
carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol and certain foods, as well as
excessive exposure to the sun have been found to increase the risk of
developing oral cancer. Risk factors for oral cancer may also be genetically
inherited.
What
are the warning signs to watch out for?
Oral cancer - represented by red, white or discolored lesions, patches
or lumps in or around the mouth - is typically painless in its early stages.
As the malignant cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the
lesions or lumps become more painful. However, oral cancer is sometimes
difficult to self-diagnose so routine dental exams are recommended.
See your dentist immediately
if you observe: any sore that persists longer than two weeks; a swelling,
growth or lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck; white or red patches
in the mouth or on the lips; repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat;
difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness.
How
does a dentist screen for oral cancer?
Your dentist should screen for oral cancer during routine checkups. He
or she feels for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head,
cheeks and oral cavity, and thoroughly examines the soft tissues in your
mouth, specifically looking for any sores or discolored tissues.
How
is oral cancer treated?
If your dentist suspects oral cancer, a biopsy of the lesion is required
to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is required to remove the tumors, which
may cause disfiguration. Radiation therapy may be used as part of the
treatment.
What
can I do to prevent oral cancer?
Oral cancer accounts for roughly 9,000 deaths annually (about 3 percent
of all cancer-caused deaths). Of all major cancers, oral cancer has the
worst five-year survival rate at about 54 percent. Because oral cancer
is usually not diagnosed in its early stages, less than half of all oral
cancer patients are cured. You can prevent oral cancer by not smoking,
using spit tobacco and drinking excessive alcohol. When tobacco use and
alcohol use are combined, the risk of oral cancer increases 15 times more
than non-users of tobacco and alcohol products. Research suggests that
eating plenty of fruits and vegetables may safeguard against oral cancer.
Because successful treatment and rehabilitation are dependent on early
detection, it is extremely important to see your dentist for an oral cancer
screening and regular checkup at least every six months. Survival rates
greatly increase the earlier oral cancer is discovered and treated. During
your next dental visit, ask your dentist to do an oral cancer screening.
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Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry in
Palm Beach County Southern Florida
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