{"id":464,"date":"2024-04-12T22:15:08","date_gmt":"2024-04-12T22:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/?p=464"},"modified":"2024-05-08T22:18:10","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T22:18:10","slug":"oral-cancer-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/2024\/04\/12\/oral-cancer-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"What Should I Know About Oral Cancer?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Oral cancer is among the deadliest and most disfiguring forms of cancer, but detecting it early can make all of the difference in its outcome. This horrible disease affects nearly 53,000 Americans every year, and this population includes men and women, younger and older adults, and smokers and non-smokers. Luckily, your dentist<\/a> plays a key role in detecting oral cancer, making showing up for regular dental appointments one of the best things you can do to prevent it from disrupting your life. Here are a few facts about oral cancer that everyone should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\u201cOral Cancer\u201d Is an Umbrella Term<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer generally comes in two varieties. The first is oral cavity cancer, which occurs in the front parts of the mouth like the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the cheek pockets, and the lips. It is often caused by tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption and may be more likely to occur in people who deal with repeated oral trauma due to issues like loose teeth, chronic tongue biting, or dentures that fit poorly. This variety is often very aggressive and difficult to successfully treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oropharyngeal cancer occurs in areas in the back of the mouth such as the tonsils, the back of the tongue, the upper throat, and the larynx. While issues like alcohol, tobacco, and oral trauma can play a role in its development, it is most commonly caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Infections by this virus can be prevented through vaccination, and this cancer is usually easier to treat than oral cavity cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Detection Is Key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you catch oral cancer early, you can treat it before it gets any worse. By taking a look inside your mouth and feeling around your neck to look for abnormalities from time to time, you may be able to find issues that you should bring to the attention of a doctor. A few signs to look out for include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n