More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer
this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly one person every
hour, every day. Of those 34,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only half will be
alive in 5 years.
The two most common pathways by which most people develop oral cancer is
through tobacco and alcohol use and through exposure to the human
papilloma virus (HPV) – the same virus responsible for the majority of
cervical cancers in women.
Oral cancer often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore
somewhere in the mouth and often goes unnoticed until it has metastasized
(spread) into another part of the body. It can affect any area of the mouth
including the lips, gums, cheek lining, tongue, and the hard or soft palate.
When found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Dental
professionals can act as a first line of defense in the early detection of oral
cancer. Your CDA member dentist includes oral cancer screening as part of a
routine oral exam.
Knowing the early signs can increase survival. Early signs include:
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- A color change of the oral tissues
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
- A change in the way the teeth fit together
While oral cancer has been found in individuals with no risk factors, the
disease most often occurs in individuals that use tobacco in any
form. Alcohol in addition to tobacco increases the risk even more. Oral cancer
is more likely to occur in individuals over 40 years old and in those with
prolonged sun exposure. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables may help
prevent cancer.
If you notice any unusual spots anywhere in your mouth, contact your CDA
member dentist immediately for an exam. Be sure to note how long the spot has
been there and if it has grown or changed in color or consistency. Remember,
early detection is the best strategy for survival.