Approximately 54,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year in the United States. Unfortunately, most of these diagnoses are made when the disease has already progressed to more advanced stages, making it more difficult to treat. In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the risk factors and warning signs of oral cancer. Understanding this information can increase your chances of having the disease identified early, which can greatly improve your prognosis and treatment outcomes!
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Statistics show that people who smoke or drink excessively tend to have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Additionally, human papillomavirus (HPV), has a significant link to cancers in the back of the throat. It’s also worth noting that roughly two-thirds of people diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of 55, and men are nearly twice as likely to develop the disease as women.
Having risk factors does not necessarily guarantee that you will develop oral cancer. On the contrary, some patients get oral cancer even in the absence of known risk factors. Nevertheless, it’s worth being aware of what can increase your chances of developing the disease.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
There are many symptoms that may indicate the possible presence of oral cancer. Some of these warning signs include:
- A persistent sore in the mouth.
- Unusual red or white patches on your oral tissues.
- Lumps or rough spots.
- A change in your bite.
- The sensation of having something constantly caught in your throat.
- Hoarseness.
- Having a hard time chewing, speaking, or swallowing.
You may not always notice symptoms of oral cancer yourself, but your dentist might identify potential warning signs during a routine checkup. If you suspect you might have oral cancer for any reason, you should take the appropriate steps to have it properly diagnosed.
Diagnosing and Treating Oral Cancer
An oral surgeon can perform a simple biopsy to aid in the diagnosis of oral cancer. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue from the affected area. After this, an oral pathologist examines the tissue to determine if oral cancer is present.
After a diagnosis has been made, you can start exploring your treatment options. The sooner the problem is identified, the sooner you can get the care that you need.
About the Practice
At Conestoga Oral Surgery, our highly trained oral surgeons have been serving the Lancaster community for over 35 years. In addition to placing dental implants and extracting wisdom teeth, we also offer oral pathology services to ensure that our patients can have their oral cancer diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. To schedule a consultation with our team, visit our website or call (717) 219-4460.