Oral cancer claims thousands of lives each year. Although many people think of it as a disease that is exclusive to tobacco users, that is far from the truth. Anyone could develop it, regardless of their lifestyle choices. You should attend an oral cancer screening with your dentist at least once a year. What exactly will they look for, and is there anything you can do to reduce your risk of oral cancer? If you do develop it, what will your treatment prospects look like? This blog post provides valuable information.
Stages of Oral Cancer
When you attend an oral cancer screening, your dentist will look for abnormal growths and other symptoms that might indicate a problem.
- During stage 1 of oral cancer, abnormal growths are less than 2cm in diameter and have not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
- During stage 2, a cancerous tumor may be 2 – 4cm in diameter but still has not yet affected nearby lymph nodes.
- During stage 3, the cancer is 4cm in diameter or larger and has not spread to the lymph nodes or the tumor is any size and is affecting at least one lymph node.
- During stage 4, the tumor can be any size, but the cancerous cells have spread into the nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
If your dentist suspects that you have oral cancer, they will help you arrange for further testing so you can get an official diagnosis and learn how far the disease has progressed.
Oral Cancer Prevention
Some risk factors for oral cancer, such as age and biological gender, are not modifiable. However, there are some modifiable risk factors. Here are some tips to help you reduce the chances that you will develop this disease:
- Do not use tobacco products.
- Do not indulge in heavy alcohol consumption.
- Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Ask your doctor if you are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine.
Oral Cancer Treatment and Survival Rates
If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, your medical team will design a treatment plan that is customized to your needs. If the cancer is localized, treatment might be as simple as a surgical procedure to remove an abnormal growth. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and radiation may be necessary.
For cases in which oral cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate is 83%. However, survival rates plummet to 38% in cases where the cancer has reached distant parts of the body. These statistics underscore the need to receive regular screenings; the earlier cancer can be diagnosed, the lower the risk that it will be fatal.
Oral cancer is a serious disease! Even if you believe you are not at risk, it would still be wise to look for signs and symptoms. Your life might depend on it!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Schlessel and Hornstein are the experienced, talented dentists at the Center for Advanced Dentistry. They include an oral cancer screening as part of every routine exam. If it has been more than a year since you were checked for signs of oral cancer, our team invites you to book an appointment. Contact our Beachwood office at 216-595-1710.
–