Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth which may include the lips, cheeks, gums, teeth, tongue, hard palate or soft palate. Most oral cancers begin on the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Oral cancer will appear as a growth or sore inside the mouth that will not go away. It is easier to detect oral cancer in its early stages than other types of cancer because it is located in a place that can be seen with the human eye. Oral cancer often starts as a small white or red spot in the mouth so self-exams on a regular basis are important.

Fast Facts

1. Most common on tongue
2. The sixth leading cause of cancer related deaths
3. Occurs rarely in children
4. Tobacco use contributes to 80%-90% of cases
5. Treatment: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery
6. Prevention: quit smoking, limit alcohol use, limit exposure to ultraviolet light, wear proper fitting dentures, healthy diet

Symptoms

• Sore that bleeds easily and does not heal
• Color change inside the mouth
• Lump, thick or rough spot
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Change in the way teeth fit together

Causes

The most common cause of oral cancer is tobacco use and alcohol. The death rate for oral cancer in cigarette smokers is four times higher than non-smokers. Those with especially high risk of developing oral cancer are over the age of 40 and are heavy drinkers and smokers or using some other type of tobacco.

Prevention

Good dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups are an important defense against oral cancer. Because cancerous sores look no different than non cancerous ones, your dentist may need to preform tests to rule out oral cancer.¹

U.S. Statistics

• Cases Per Year: 34,000
• Of the 34,000 only half will be alive in 5 years
• 8,000 deaths per year
• More common in males¹

Disclaimer

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Oral Cancer, please consult your doctor.

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