Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the lowest survival
rates, with thousands of new cases being reported each year. Fewer than half of
all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever cured.
Moreover, people with many forms of cancer can develop complications-some of them
chronic and painful-from their cancer treatment. These include dry mouth and overly
sensitive teeth, as well as accelerated tooth decay.
If oral cancer is not treated in time, it could spread to other facial and neck
tissues, leading to disfigurement and pain.
Older adults over the age of 40 (especially men) are most susceptible to developing
oral cancer, but people of all ages are at risk.
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the tongue appears to be the most
common location. Other oral structures could include the lips, gums and other soft
palate tissues in the mouth.
Warning Signs
In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of lumps, patchy
areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. In many cases, these
abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, making even self-diagnosis difficult.
Here are some additional warning signs:
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
- Unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won't heal.
- Lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.
If a tumor is found, surgery will generally be required to remove it. Some facial
disfigurement could also result.
Prevention
Prevention is the key to staving off oral cancer. One of the biggest culprits is
tobacco and alcohol use. Certain kinds of foods and even overexposure to the sun
have also been linked to oral cancer. Some experts believe certain oral cancer risk
factors are also hereditary.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best defenses against oral cancer.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups, are highly recommended.
Our office utilizies vizilte to affectily screen for oral cancer.