The rate is so high not only because it is hard to diagnose, but due to the fact that is is discovered late in its development. It is often discovered when it has spread to another location, often times the lymph nodes of the neck.
Oral cancer screening and early detection is key to a favorable prognosis.
One of the reasons oral cancer is so dangerous is that the early stages may not be noticed by the patient. There are several types of oral cancer, but 90% are squamous cell carcinomas.
More recent data leads us to believe the fastest growing segment of oral cancer are non smokers under the age of 50.
Risk Factors
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
HPV is sexually transmitted between partners and is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence in young non-smoking oral cancer patients. It should be noted that tobacco use in all forms is the number one risk factor in people over 50. However, for people under 50, HPV is replacing tobacco as the primary causative agent in the initiation of the disease process.
Signs & Symptoms
- white or red patch in the mouth
- small indurated ulcer
- lump or mass
- pain or difficulty swallowing
- wart-like mass
- hoarseness (lasting a long time)
- numbness is oral/facial region
- persistent ear ache
Have any sore or discolored area that does not heal within 14 days looked at by a dentist or doctor.
Patients with Dentures should also be checked yearly.
The above information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute health or medical advice. Consult a qualified dentist to determine an individualized treatment plan.
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