Evaluating patients for oral cancer includes a thorough head and neck exam. Special attention needs to be given to the neck to evaluate the lymph nodes for possible metastases. Some oral cancers begin as:
(1.) Leukoplakia - white lesions
(2.) Erythroplakia - red patches, or
(3.) Non-healing sores that are present for more than 14 days
There are risk factors that increase ones chances of developing oral cancer. Risk factors include smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol. Recently, it has been discovered that being sexually active can increase the risk of oral cancer due to HPV (human papilloma virus).
Although cancers of the head and neck only account for 5 percent of all cancers reported yearly, 30 percent of these cancers occur in the oral cavity. That is roughly 22,000 new cases per year, if cancers of the lip are not included. Between 6,000 and 7,000 deaths per year occur because of oral cancer. The disease claims twice as many lives as cervical cancer.
Early detection is key, just like with any other cancer. That’s why we offer the Velscope exam, recommended once a year for all patients in conjunction with our oral cancer exam. The Velscope exam emits a safe blue light that allows us to find tissue changes that we may not be able to see with just the naked eye. Thus, finding precancerous lesions early increases the odds of survival. Seeing your dentist regularly helps promote a healthy mouth as well as prolong your life.
- Dr. Jessica Eugenio, Highlands Office
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