Oral Cancer
See your dentist if you have a growth or sore on your lips or in your mouth a sign that you may have oral cancer.
Abnormal cells cause cancer to the form in the lining of our mouth, called the oral cavity, which include the lips and cheeks, our teeth and gums, a portion of our tongue, the floor and roof of our mouth and an area behind our wisdom teeth.
When caught early, oral cancer is highly curable, with a 5-year survival rate up to 100%. Cancerous tumors or growths can be removed by surgery or radiation therapy. Ask your dentist for an oral exam every 3 years, starting at age 20, then annually after age 40. Dentists can look for any pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions in your mouth.
Men are more likely to develop oral cancer, making it the 6th most common cancer among men. Smoking tobacco products and drinking alcohol in excess also increases your risk, although about a quarter of all oral cancers aren't linked to these risk factors.
Recently Answered
- Q How many people get mouth cancer?
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According to the most recent statistics from the American Cancer Society in 2011, some 34,300 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer (mouth cancer) are diagnosed each year. Your dentist has the skills and tools to ensure that early... Full Answer
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- Q How does a dentist check for oral cancer?
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Checking for signs of oral cancer is part of a regular dental checkup. Your dentist can examine your oral tissues easily by looking at your lips and inside your mouth. He or she will check your gums carefully, the inside of your cheeks and your... Full Answer
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- Q Who gets oral cancer?
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Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year. People who smoke or drink alcohol are at an increased risk for the disease. In addition, African-Americans are especially vulnerable. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid tobacco... Full Answer
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- Q Who gets oral cancer and what are the risk factors for oral cancer?
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Dr. Dr. Teresa DeStefano, DentistryAnyone can get oral cancer. There are, however, risk factors that you should be aware of. Smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, chewing tobacco- these are the most risky behaviors that should be avoided! Doing these things in combination is even worse!... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about oral cancer symptoms?
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Make sure to tell your dentist about any problems you have when chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw. Other symptoms include sores that bleed, hard spots, numbness or change in bite. During your dental visit, your dentist can... Full Answer
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- Q How is oral cancer diagnosed?
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Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous,... Full Answer
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- Q How serious is oral cancer?
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Oral cancer can be very serious but regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily. During your dental visit, your dentist can... Full Answer
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- Q Will I need follow-up appointments for mouth cancer?
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Yes, you should continue to see your dentist. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early. This is when cancer can be treated more easily. Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my oral cancer on a daily basis?
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During your dental visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be... Full Answer
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- Q How does VELscope help dentists diagnose oral cancer?
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Dr. Benjamin S Fiss DDS, DentistryThis new and exciting technology utilizes a narrow band of safe, high-energy blue light and specialized filtering technology to help thoroughly evaluate the oral tissue for abnormal areas of concern, such as potentially cancerous lesions that may not be... Full Answer
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