This year an estimated 54,600 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. Of those individuals, 43 percent will not survive longer than five years, and many who survive to suffer from long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers remains exceptionally high because they are routinely discovered late in development.*
*oralcancerfoundation.org
Regular oral cancer examinations by your oral health care professional is the best way to find these cancers early. Oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental exam with us. If you smoke or drink alcohol regularly you may be at higher risk of oral cancer.
If you notice any ulcerations, sores, growths or discolourations in your mouth, especially if it is persistent, you should schedule a visit with your oral health care provider to get it checked.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the leading causes of oropharyngeal cancer in the US, causing up to 70% of cancers in the back of the throat, including base of the tongue and tonsils.
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may include a long lasting sore throat, earaches, hoarseness, swollen lymph nodes, pain when swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. Some people have no symptoms. If you have symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away. * *cdc.gov
If oral cancer is diagnosed and treated early, survival outcomes may improve.
Contact us today for your oral cancer screening.
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