Oral cancer and pharyngeal cancer, which are cancer of the mouth and upper throat respectively, collectively kill about one person an hour throughout the year. Among those newly diagnosed with either of these cancers, only around 60% will live beyond the next 5 years. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness month, we’d like to take a moment to shed some light on the subject.
Additionally, many of those who survive suffer long-term issues such as difficulty with eating and speaking or even severe disfigurement in the face. Because oral cancer is often discovered late in its development, the death rate remains unfortunately high.
Per SEER’s national vital statistics report, around 54,000 new cases of oral cancer are estimated to be diagnosed this year alone. Among those diagnosed, 43% won’t survive the next five years.
What Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month?
Every April, several of the nation’s major dental associations join forces with the Oral Cancer Foundation in order to raise awareness of both oral and pharyngeal cancers. Oftentimes, your Houston dentist and dental offices across the country open their doors to the community to offer free screenings throughout the month.
Each April acts as an important reminder to our community that detecting these cancers early is crucial for successful treatment. When we detect and treat them early, mortality and health problems related to the treatment are often reduced.
Oral Cancer Symptoms and “Check Your Mouth”
In addition to their overall awareness campaign, the Foundation and dental associations are working together to promote the Check Your Mouth™ initiative. Through this initiative, they encourage communities across the country to regularly look for signs and symptoms of oral cancer.
Of course, this is in addition to screenings by your Houston dentist! Moreover, when you notice persistent signs that last more than 2-3 weeks, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist so that they can perform a proper screening.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
More often than not, this cancer is a result of tobacco use or excessive alcohol use. The signs and symptoms of oral cancer follow.
- Sores or ulcers that do not heal within 2 weeks
- Discoloration of soft tissues in the mouth – white, red, or black
- Abnormalities that bleed when touched
- Lumps or hard spots in the tissue, typically bordering the tongue
- A growth or spot raised above the surrounding tissue
- Sores beneath dentures that persist after adjustments
- Any lump or thickening that develops in the mouth
- Painless lump formed on the outside of the neck
- Any of the above symptoms that persist and do not disappear after 2 weeks
Symptoms of Pharyngeal Cancer
When it comes to oropharyngeal cancer caused by HPV, the symptoms include any of the following that persists for more than 2-3 weeks.
- Sore throat that does not go away within 2-3 weeks
- Swollen tonsils on one side, commonly painless
- Painless lumps fixated on the outside of the neck
- A cough that persists past a few days
- Difficulty swallowing, usually a sensation in which it feels like food is caught in your throat
- An earache on one side that persists beyond a few days
- Any of the above symptoms that persist without resolving
If you feel concerned about oral or pharyngeal cancer, be sure to contact your Houston dentist right away. We have the tools and skills necessary to perform thorough screenings.
Risk Factors
There are numerous factors that have the potential to contribute to the development of these cancers. Historically, the data has shown that those at increased risk of oral cancer are smokers over the age of 50 and heavy drinkers. However, the cancer occurs more frequently in non-smokers due to the spread of HPV16. This virus is often associated with cervical cancer as well.
HPV16 also seems related to the increase in incidents of pharyngeal cancer. Around 99% of people who develop an oral infection with HPV clear the virus on their own. In that 1% of individuals, the immune system doesn’t clear the virus. In some cases, the virus can lay dormant for decades. Then, it has the potential to cause cancer.
Oral Cancer Screenings in Houston
If you have never had a screening for these cancers before, there’s no better time to visit your Houston dentist than Oral Cancer Awareness Month this April. At your appointment, be sure to request that this screening is added to your routine check-ups in the future.
At our Houston dental office, oral cancer screenings are covered by many insurance plans, often at 100%. During your appointment, our team uses OralD to perform non-invasive screenings that only take a few minutes.
If you are ready to schedule an appointment, contact us today! Our team is more than happy to help you on your journey to improved oral health.
