Mira Costa Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Oceanside California 760-941-7502

Oral Cancer Explained

How Serious Is Oral Cancer?

Approximately 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in the U. S. each year and about 9,000 people die from oral cancer each year. The disease represents about four percent of all cancers and 2.2 percent of all cancer deaths in the U.S. The tongue is the most common site for oral cancer in both men and women.

Warning Signs Of Oral Cancer

- A sore in your mouth that bleeds easily or fails to heal
- A lump, thickening or soreness in the mouth, throat or tongue
- Soreness or swelling that won't go away
- A white or red patch in the mouth that won't go away
- Any difficulty in chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue or jaw

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Primary causes for oral cancer are tobacco products, alcohol, and particularly the combination of heavy tobacco and alcohol use. An example of a high risk candidate for oral cancer is a male, over 40 years of age, who uses tobacco and/or alcohol regularly. Approximately 95 percent of all oral cancers occur in people over 40 years of age. Studies show the average age at the time of diagnosis is about 60 years of age.

Smokeless tobacco use also increases the risk for oral cancer. About 12 million Americans now use smokeless tobacco, especially among younger males.

- A pack of cigarettes a day increases risk of oral cancer about 5 times.
- Drinking up to 6 alcoholic drinks daily increases risk about 4 times.
- Drinking 5-7 drinks daily increases risk of oral cancer 15 times.
- Combining tobacco and alcohol increase risk of oral cancer 100 times!!!

What Is The Survival Rate For Oral Cancer victims?

An average 5-year survival rate of patients with oral cancer is about 50 percent. This worsens due to late detection. If an oral cancer lesion is found at the early stage, survival rates increase to about 70-80 percent. The survival rate when detected at late stages of the cancer development is 18 percent or less.

Should I worry about getting Oral Cancer? Yes.

If you experience any of the warning signs of oral cancer listed above or would like to make sure you don't experience this condition, schedule an appointment with your dentist @ Mira Costa Dental today.

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