Oral Cancer Risks

Early Detection is the key.  When Oral Cancer is detected early the chances of a full recovery are greatly multiplied.

What should we know about oral cancer?

• Each year oral cancer is responsible for as many deaths as skin cancer (melanoma)

• Risks factors for oral cancer include smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol

• Oral cancer is rising in women under 40 and not smoking

• Approximately 8,000 Americans die from oral cancer every year

•  Early detection is essential.  With Late stage detection, treatment involves major facial surgery with only 50% of patients living longer than 5 years.

What should we look for?

• Sores that will not heal and continually bleed.

• Change in color of oral tissue

• Pain, swelling or numbness

• Thick, tough skin, or new eroded area of the skin

• Pain or difficulty in swallowing, chewing or speaking.

An oral screening is regularly done to visual check for precancerous and cancerous lesions and sores.