Oral Cancer

About Oral Cancers

Risks
Fortunately, the number of people diagnosed with oral cancer has decreased over the past two decades. But this doesn't mean that the battle is over. Cigarette, cigar or pipe smoking, using smokeless tobacco and excessive use of alcohol are still the main risk factors for developing oral cancer. Although most patients with oral cancer are between the ages of 50 and 70, some studies suggest that the number of younger patients is increasing.

Symptoms
Symptoms of oral cancer usually occur first in the mouth or throat, or on the tongue or lips
and include:

• a sore that bleeds easily or doesn't heal
• a lump or thickening
• a red or white patch that doesn't go away

Many of these symptoms may not be cancer, but if you notice one or more for more than two weeks, see your doctor or dentist.

Early Detection
Besides quitting smoking, avoiding smokeless tobacco, and reducing alcohol use, the best defense against oral cancer is finding and treating it early. Dental examinations play an important role. While the prospect of dental examinations may be intimidating for some people, the vast majority of these examinations are quite painless and, in some instances, quickly performed. Your primary care physician also is a good resource for detecting oral cancers early. Tell your physician if you notice a sore in your mouth that bleeds easily or doesn't heal, a lump or thickening, or a red or white patch that doesn't go away.

Treatment
Research has led to better methods of diagnosing and treating oral cancer. Oral cancer treatment may include surgery and/or radiation therapy. It also may include chemotherapy for some patients with advanced disease. The choice of treatment depends mainly on your general health, where in your mouth the cancer began, the size of the growth and whether the cancer has spread. Patients and their doctors can work together to develop an individualized treatment plan.