Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is maybe more deadly than you realize. It kills more people nationwide than either skin cancer or cervical cancer, and the five year survival rate is only about 50 percent. Every hour, an American dies from oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Tobacco use
Alcohol abuse
Habitual biting of the cheeks or lips
Poorly fitting dentures
But don't be complacent if you have none of these risk factors. Some have estimated that as many as 10 to 20 percent of those with oral cancer have no risk factors at all.
Examining Your Mouth for Oral Cancer
Medical doctors often do not check for oral cancer during physical examinations. Dentists, on the other hand, are specially trained to recognize oral diseases, and Dr. Whitmore has had special training in recognizing the signs of oral cancer. And this is part of our regular checkup routine. When you come in for a checkup, he will examine vulnerable spots such as the base of your tongue, or the insides of your cheeks, looking for flat, painless white or red spots or small sores.
Other signs of oral cancer:
A sore that does not heal or bleeds easily
A growth of a lump, a bump, or a thickening in your oral tissue A small eroded area or a crust in your mouth
A change in the color of oral tissue
An unexplained swelling in the bone Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth
If you have a suspicious spot in your mouth, we will recommend a biopsy. There are two basic types or biopsies. A brush biopsy may be recommended for an area that looks harmless but we have some reason to be suspicious. A brush biopsy can detect potentially dangerous cells in early stages. The second type is a more conventional biopsy, done with a scalpel, in which a sample is excised and sent to a pathologist for microscopic examination. The brush biopsy is painless, the scalpel biopsy requires local anesthetic.
Remember to have your regular check ups. And if, between visits, you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, call us and we'll be happy to see you. Together we can fight and win the battle against oral cancer.
Articles
Dentists now checking for oral HPV
Time Magazine: Oral Cancer's Cruel Toll
For more information about oral cancer, including support groups and information about treatments, visit the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Oral Cancer and HPV
|
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist |
Teeth By Tonight |
White Fillings |
Seattle Zoom Whitening |
Seattle Invisalign |
Seattle Sedation Dentistry |
Mercury-Free Fillings |
Laser Dentistry |
Cosmetic Dentures |
Seattle Dental Implants |
TMJ |
Botox and TMJ |
Seattle Porcelain Veneers |
Porcelain Crowns |
Bulimia and Teeth |
Eating Disorders & Dentistry |
Links |
More Links | Blog
