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Oral Cancer Did you know ONE PERSON DIES EVERY HOUR FROM ORAL CANCER in the United States, and the mortality has remained unchanged for more than 40 years? Late detection of oral cancer is the primary cause that both the incidence and mortality rates of oral cancer continue to increase. As with most other cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. Though tobacco use is a major predisposing risk factor, 27% of oral cancer victims have no lifestyle risk factors. Attention all Women... According to the American Cancer society, more women in the Unites States will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year (12,000 cases) than will be diagnosed with cervical cancer (less than 10,000 cases), and there are as many cases of oral cancer caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV 16/18), a sexually transmitted disease, as there are HPV-related cases of cervical cancer. Early detection happens at your dental office... Clinical studies have determined that using ViziLite Plus, a special dye used in the mouth, improves the dental professional’s ability to identify and evaluate suspicious areas at their earliest stages. Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer, and possibly save your life. Proven screening technologies such as mammograms, Pap smears, PSA and colonoscopies, offer the same type of early detection of cancer. ViziLite Plus is an easy and painless examination that gives you the best chance to find any oral abnormalities you may have at the earliest possible stage.
 What is Oral Cancer?Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth and/or throat. It usually begins on the floor of the mouth, tongue, or lips, and then moves on to the rest of the body. Although oral cancer is often detected by a dental professional before any symptoms occur, it is best to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if you have any of the following: • Sores in the mouth that do not heal. • Lumps or swelling inside the mouth, on the neck, or on the lips. • White lesions and/or rough lesions in the mouth or on the lips. • Numbness. • Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing. • Repeated bleeding in a concentrated area of the mouth. • Loose teeth. • Pain when swallowing. • Earaches.  Steps to Treat Oral CancerIt is important to choose a dentist that is vigilant in his or her watch for oral cancer. When you have your six-month cleaning or regular check-up, your dental team should look at several areas for signs of oral cancer. Exams should include looking carefully at the roof and floor of the mouth, the back of the throat, the tongue, your lymph nodes, and the insides of the cheeks and lips. Your exam should also include the use of the Vizilite Plus prescreening exam. Most dentists are fully trained to perform biopsies in your mouth if oral cancer is suspected. In the event of a positive biopsy, you may receive a full range of support and referral services, helping you to choose the treatment options that are best for you and putting you in touch with the best medical professional for additional treatment. |
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