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 40,000
new cases of oral cancer reported
annually in the United Stares. 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 sires are the tongue, the
floor of the mouth, soft palate
tissues in back of the tongue, lips,
and gums. If nor 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 generically inherited.
What are the warning signs to
watch out for?
Oral cancer-represented by red,
white or discolored lesions,
parches 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 immedi
ately 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
parches 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 rare 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 1 5 rimes
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.
Sources: American Cancer Society; Luke
F.
Matranga, DDS, MAGD, CBGD, past
president of the AGD; "The War on Oral
Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancel;" by Dr.
Harold Slavkin, JADA, April 1996; "U.S.
Adult Knowledge of Risk Factors and Signs
of Oral Cancers: 1990," by Dr. Alice
Horowitz, et. al., JADA, January 1995; "The
Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancel;" by
Edmund Cataldo, Dental Hygienist News,
Spring
1994.
This information was compiled for General Dentistry. Your dentist cares about long-term dental health for you and your family and demonstrates that concern by
belonging to the Academy of General Dentistry. As one of the 35,000 general dentists in the United Sates and Canada who are member of the Academy, your dentists
participates in an ongoing program of professional development and continuing education to remain current with advances in the profession and to provide quality patient
treatment. Visit the AGD’s website at www.agd.org. You have permission to photocopy this page and distribute it to your patients.
