Oral cancer,
the sixth most common cancer, accounts for about 3.6
percent of all cancers diagnosed, with roughly 40,000
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, 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.
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.
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; or
- difficulty swallowing or persistent
hoarseness.
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.
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.
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 help
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.
Your dentist
can recommend a step-by-step program tailored to your
needs or prescribe a nicotine patch in combination
with a cessation program. Call your dentist for the
options suited to your dependency. Your dentist will
work with you and your physician and have a consultation
to determine your needs.
Courtesy of the Academy of General
Dentistry (www.agd.org)
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