Jarred K. Donald, DDS
16631 Coit Rd #114
Dallas, TX 75248
972-818-4300
888-49-SMILE
Patient Education - General Dentist Information in Dallas
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the
lowest survival rates, with thousands of new cases being reported each
year. Fewer than half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever
cured.
Moreover, people with many forms of cancer can develop
complications-some of them chronic and painful-from their cancer
treatment. These include dry mouth and overly sensitive teeth, as well
as accelerated tooth decay.
If oral cancer is not treated in time, it could spread to other facial and neck tissues, leading to disfigurement and pain.
Older adults over the age of 40 (especially men) are most
susceptible to developing oral cancer, but people of all ages are at
risk.
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the tongue
appears to be the most common location. Other oral structures could
include the lips, gums and other soft palate tissues in the mouth.
Warning Signs
In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of
lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the
mouth. In many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early
stages, making even self-diagnosis difficult.
Here are some additional warning signs:
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
- Unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won't heal.
- Lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.
Prevention
Prevention is the key to staving off oral cancer. One of the biggest culprits is tobacco and alcohol use. Certain kinds of foods and even overexposure to the sun have also been linked to oral cancer. Some experts believe certain oral cancer risk factors are also hereditary.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best defenses against oral cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups, are highly recommended.
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