Oral Cancer Overview

Imagine sitting across the desk from your doctor receiving the news that you've got oral cancer. It's a scary thought, but one that upwards of 31,000 people have to face every year in the United States alone, according to the American Cancer Society.

Approximately 90 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer or pharyngeal cancer (including cancer of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, parts for the nose, and larynx) are tobacco users.

What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancers?

• Tobacco
  All forms of tobacco increase a person's risk of oral cancer. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to get an oral cancer than nonsmokers.

• Alcohol
  Heavy, regular alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer. It's estimated that 75 to 80 percent of those with oral cancer drink alcohol frequently. Like smokers, people who drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis are also six times more likely to get an oral cancer than nondrinkers.

• Tobacco and Alcohol
  The risk for oral cancer that each substance represents is compounded when they are used together.

• Gender
  It appears that men contract oral cancer at twice the rate of women, due to the fact that they are more likely to smoke and drink heavily for longer periods of time than females.

• Age
  After the age of 40, the risk of oral cancer increases, with 60 being the average age of diagnosis.

Other Risk Factors

• Viral infections

• Immunodeficiencies

• Poor nutrition

• Exposure to ultraviolet light (responsible for many cases of cancer to the lips)

• Certain occupational exposures

It's important to note that survival rates for oral cancers are 50 percent five years after diagnosis. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the better a person's chances for survival are.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

• Sores in the mouth or on the lips that don't heal and/or bleed easily.

• A white or red patch of skin in the mouth or under the tongue that doesn't go away.

• A lump in the mouth, throat, or tongue.

• A sore throat that doesn't go away within a normal period of time.

• Swallowing and/or chewing is difficult or painful.

If you have any of these symptoms, please see your doctor immediately.

Oral cancer screening is a normal part of dental checkups, so visit your dentist on a regular basis to get your teeth cleaned. It's one of the best ways to catch oral cancer early.

Additional Oral Cancer Resources:

Diagnosed with Oral Cancer - Marlene's Story

Oral and Head and Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer Photo Gallery

Most oral cancers could be avoided by not using tobacco and/or drinking heavily. If you fall into this risk category, use the information here as a springboard to help you get serious about quitting. Tobacco is a toxic killer and offers you nothing more than disease and ultimately, death.

_Sources:

"FAQ Cancer of the Oral Cavity and Pharynx." NOHSS. 23 May 2006. Centers for Disease Control.

"Oral Cancer." 2006. American Cancer Society.