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There are typically two types of oral cancer.
- Cancer of the mouth (including the lips, cheeks, gums, teeth, and the front of the tongue) is the first type.
- Cancer of the oropharynx, which extends from the tonsils to the base of the tongue and encompasses the middle part of the throat, is the second type.
Facts About Oral Cancer That You May Not Be Aware Of
If you can, try to avoid contracting this sickness, and if you do have it, seek medical attention without delay.
There is a 57% five-year survival rate
Cancer, when detected late, usually has a poor prognosis. Just 57% of people with oral cancer will still be alive after five years. Compared to thyroid, cervical, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancers, mouth cancer has the highest mortality rate. Each year, the disease kills about ten thousand people in the United States and is diagnosed in about 50,000 others.
Later Stages Are Typically When It Is Found
The cancer is typically found in its latter stages, when it has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes in the neck, which is why the survival rate is so low. Treatment efficacy decreases after the drug has penetrated deeply into neighboring tissues.
Oral Surgeons and Dentists Can Assist You
Keeping up with your routine dental checkups is the best defense you have against any health problems. Specialized training allows dentists and their associates to detect abnormalities in oral tissues. Sores, lumps, red or white spots, thickening of tissues, difficulty swallowing or chewing, or changes in the way your jaws fit could all be signs of cancer.
Even if you don’t see anything wrong, your dentist can keep track of your symptoms and then recommend you to an oral surgeon who specializes in oral diseases for additional evaluation. Early detection of oral cancer is achieved with this method. The five-year survival rate is 90%, compared to 57% when diagnosed early.
There are more things you can do to lower your chance of acquiring oral cancer besides being proactive and receiving regular dental treatment. If you’re a smoker or drink alcohol, you increase your chance of oral cancer. Additional risk factors include sun exposure. When venturing outdoors for extended periods of time, it is essential to use lip balm for protection.
Naturally, your long-term health will also benefit from a focus on whole-body wellness, which includes frequent exercise and a balanced diet.
As oral surgeons, we are well-versed in the evaluation and treatment of many mouth diseases. If your dentist or doctor notices any signs of oral cancer, they should refer you to Smithville Dental for treatment or referrals.