Upon a recent review some publications about oral cancers I found few interesting facts about oral cancers, that I just thought would be useful for patients. So here are just a few of the facts that you should know about Oral Cancers.
Oral and Pharyngeal cancers will be diagnosed in an estimated 30,000 Americans every year, and will cause approximately 8,000 deaths. On average only half of those with the disease will survive more than 5 yrs.
Early Detection saves lives, with early detection and timely treatment, deaths from oral cancers could be dramatically reduced. Five year survival rate for those with localized disease at diagnosis is 76% compared with only 19% for those whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Sores that might be warning signs of oral cancer, two lesions that could be precursors to cancer are white in color or (leukoplakia) and red in color(erythroplakia). Leukoplakia lesions are more common but less likely to become cancerous. Erythroplakia lesions have a much greater potential for becoming cancerous. Any white or red lesion that does not go away by itself in two weeks should be reevaluated and considered for a biopsy to help with diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms you may see: lump or thickening in the soft tissues, soreness or a feeling that something is caught in the throat, difficulty chewing or swallowing, ear pain, difficulty moving jaw or tongue, hoarseness, numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth or swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
Risk Factors:
Tobacco/Alcohol Use: increases the risk of developing oral cancer. Using both tobacco and alcohol poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone
Sunlight exposure: is a risk for lip cancer.
Age: typically a disease of older people usually because of their longer exposure to risk factors. Incidence of oral cancer rises steadily with age, reaching a peak in patients age between 65-74. For African Americans, incidence peaks about 10 yrs earlier.
Sex: Oral cancer strikes men twice as often as it does women.
For more information contact your local dentist or visit:
US Department of Health and Human Services
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