Oral Cancer

According to The Oral Cancer Foundation, Close to 45,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year.  It will cause over 8,650 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day.

Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because in its early stages it may not be noticed by the patient, as it can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms they might readily recognize, and because it has a high risk of producing second, primary tumors.  This means that patients who survive a first encounter with the disease, have up to a 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer.1

Risk Factors:

• Tobacco use: Smokeless (chewing/spit), Cigarettes
• Age 40+
• Alcohol (those who smoke and drink have a 15% greater risk of developing an oral cancer)
• Persistent Viral Infections (ex. HPV - 200 strains)

Signs and Symptoms:

• Tissue changes
• White or red patch of the soft tissue
• Ulcers (look like a common canker but persist longer than 7-10 days)
• Lump or mass inside the head or neck
• Pain or difficulty swallowing, speaking, chewing
• Wart like masses
• Hoarseness
• Numbness
• Unilateral persistent ear pain

If you have any of these risk factors or signs and symptoms, be seen immediately.  Regular check ups and cleaning by the dentist can often identify suspicious lesions visible in the oral cavity.  Your regular medical doctor should be seen  as well if you have no visible symptoms.

It will never cost less or hurt less than it does today!

1. The Oral Cancer Foundation