Oral cancer does not get quite the same attention as some of the more prevalent types of cancer, but according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the disease will change the lives of 53,000 people in the United States this year.
Almost 10,000 patients will die from it. Survival five years post-diagnosis is about 57%. Oral cancers are often found in later stages. Sometimes the first noticeable sign is metastasis to the lymph nodes.
How to Spot Oral Cancer
For most, their risk is low. But like all cancers, finding it before it advances is essential. Who is on the front lines of spotting oral cancer early? Your dentist.
Regular oral cancer exams as part of your dental routine can prevent serious illness. If you have significant risk factors for oral cancer, speak to your dentist about increasing the frequency of your exams.
Oral cancer screenings are simple compared to other types of cancer screenings. Dentists will often be able to see abnormal cells in the mouth in what is known as a precancerous lesion. These are spots of unusual tissue that last more than two weeks.
Typically when a dentist sees a change to the tissue in the mouth it is something as simple as a canker sore, but taking the few extra minutes to examine for a lesion can save lives.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for oral cancer include several common factors that many people have in their lives. Sun exposure to the mouth or immune system issues can be risk factors. Drinking too much alcohol can also up your chances.
All tobacco use - including dip, smoking, snuff, and more - can lead to precancerous lesions in your mouth that evolve into oral cancer.
Contracting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) - which about 80% of sexually active teens and adults have - is also a recently discovered risk factor for oral cancers. HPV-related oral cancer does not always show the same types of lesions. New exam methods are being developed to help screen for the early signs of HPV-related oral cancer.
What to Do If You Suspect Oral Cancer?
If your dentist spots what appears to be pre-cancerous cells, you’ll need to have a biopsy. Your dentist can help you find the right doctor to perform a biopsy on a lesion that is not going away.
Dr. Hershman at Advanced Prosthodontics wants to help protect your whole body’s health, starting with oral cancer exams as part of your routine dental care. Call (610) 865-4222 to schedule your oral cancer exam today.