Oral cancer develops in the form of a sore or an abnormal formation in the mouth. It can grow in any place in the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums and throat. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which means that it beings to originate in squamous cells, commonly known as skin cells.
According to the American Cancer Society, this type of cancer is twice as common in men as it is in women and usually develops after the age of 50. In 2014 there were 40,000 cases of oral cancer in the USA alone. This type of cancer is believed to be mostly caused by smoking tobacco and consuming alcohol. People with a family history of oral cancer are also in the at risk group. HPV infection is also a contributing factor.
Oral cancer symptoms include:
It is important for people with oral cancer to be diagnosed as soon as possible, to prevent it spreading. This is one of the reasons why having a regular check up at the dentist is advisable. The 1-year survival rate for oral cancer is 81% and the 5-year survival rate is 56%.
During an oral examination, the dentist feels the patient's mouth, cheeks and gums to determine if there are any strange bumps. The dentist will also look for sores or any strange discharge.
An oral brush biopsy is also a commonly used diagnostic method. It can determine the presence of malignant cells in the patient's mouth tissue. It is usually painless and does not require anesthetic.
A scalpel biopsy is performed if the formation looks more dangerous. It is usually conducted under local anesthetic.
Overall, oral cancer treatments usually have positive results and in most cases patients are able to preserve their voice and speaking function.
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