Nobody wants to think about oral cancer, but approximately 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with it every year, so it’s important that you are aware of the symptoms and risks of this awful disease.
Oral cancer is any cancer found in the mouth, including the floor of the mouth, the lips, tongue and the cheeks. Because symptoms of oral cancer are generally painless, it’s often not diagnosed in its early stages. However, when diagnosed early, survival rate is very high, so being aware of the potential for oral cancer and getting early detection are keys.
Age, gender and smoking history are the top 3 causes of oral cancer, which occurs twice as often in men than in women, most often occurs in those over the age of 40, and is correlated with tobacco use, particularly smokeless (i.e., chewing) tobacco. Heavy drinkers also suffer a higher risk for oral cancer, as do those with a family history of it. Too much sun exposure contributes to oral cancer, as well. Interestingly, an HPV infection (human papillomavirus) also increases the risk for oral cancer.
Oral cancer screening is quick and painless. Don’t hesitate to see us if you have any concerns about oral cancer, have a family history of it, or if you notice anything unusual happening in your mouth, lips, neck or face. Early detection can save your life.
