Know the facts about Oral Cancer in Sterling Heights, Michigan
Oral Cancer Awareness is here and at HPS Advanced Dental Care we would like to give you some beneficial info regarding oral cancer. It is actually estimated that in this particular year alone, around 42,000 people dwelling within America will get the diagnosis of oral cancer. Only about half of those individuals who have just been diagnosed will be alive within five years. Sadly, this particular total has not changed within recent decades and the reason the numbers are this high is not because we can’t diagnose this particular type of cancer, rather it is actually due to the fact that the diagnosis is typically accomplished late in the stages. Today (2013), there is yet to be found an extensive screening program within the United States to capture the cancer in its early on stages and with the recent pop up of HPV16, it is actually much harder to diagnose early.
Who is at risk?
Previously, oral cancer was seen mostly in individuals over the age of 40, now, this is not the case. HPV16 has increased in the young production and we are seeing significantly more cases of oral cancer in younger men and women. Yet another factor which has been causing higher instances of oral cancer can be the utilization of smokeless or chewing tobacco. Although chewing tobacco has been showing improvements in the lungs for cancer ratings, oral cancer can be a high risk when using this form of tobacco.
Between women and men, the statistics reveal that oral cancer will be diagnosed in two men for each woman. This used to be 6 to 1, however with recent lifestyle changes, the number has drastically changed.
What are the risk factors?
1 of the major risk factors of oral cancer in Sterling Heights today is still age, people over the age of 40 are the highest risk. However, as mentioned above, there has lately been the shift in the age of people being affected with oral cancer. Other risk factors are tobacco use, alcohol consumption and HPV16.
While alcohol and tobacco are chemical toxins to the body, they may additionally be considered a physical risk factor. Also regarded as physical risk factors are getting too much sun or exposure to too many x-rays. HPV can be considered the biological factor and it can be critical to note that a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily signify a diagnosis of cancer.
What are the symptoms and signs of oral cancer?
In the beginning stages of oral cancer, it can be tough to diagnose mainly because oral cancer can be painless and there aren’t many physical changes. Having said that, here at HPS Advanced Dental Care, we are trained to look for smaller spots of discolored tissue, even ones that could possibly appear to be a canker sore. If you notice anything in the mouth that persists longer than 14 days, make sure to get in touch with us or your own dental office.
Symptoms can be a lump that can be felt inside the mouth or neck, masses that appear like warts, pain or difficulty swallowing or speaking, hoarseness, numbness to the mouth or face, or even a persistent ear ache.
Oral cancer can be found in the front of the mouth on the tongue and floor or bottom of the mouth. People who commonly use smokeless tobacco could present with cancer in the region where the tobacco is actually held between their lip and gums. It can also develop within the saliva glands. Oral cancer today is more commonly developing in the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, as well as on the tonsils. The doctor or dentist may want to have a biopsy done if they feel there is anything suspicious in your oral cavity.
What is the treatment for oral cancer?
Before beginning any treatment, the proper diagnosis needs to be given. As soon as the diagnosis is given, treatment can begin. Treatment typically is not performed by only one person. Besides the dentist, it is actually common to have a surgeon, oncologists, nutritionist, and rehab and restoration specialists. Prior to beginning treatment, any dental problems will be treated and also, removed (if needed) so as to not cause any more complications during treatment.
If the cancer is actually caught within its first stages, it will be much less likely that restorative surgery will be necessary for disfigurement. If cancer is not caught until the later stages, it may be necessary to have restorative surgery if any part of the oral cavity was removed.
Know the facts about Oral Cancer in Sterling Heights, Michigan
For more information on Oral Cancer in Sterling Heights, Michigan, please visit our webpage HPSdental.com or call our office at 248-652-0024.
