Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both external factors (tobacco, chemicals, radiation, and infectious organisms) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions, and mutations that occur from metabolism).
Oral Cancer is now the fifth most common cancer in the world, it kills about one-third of those diagnosed with it. Close to 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. And over 25% of oral cancers occur in people who don't smoke or have other lifestyle risk factors.
Now that we've got your attention — there's hope.
Trouble Spots—Oral Lesions
Are there any red or white spots you haven't noticed before? Maybe you've taken a wait-and-see approach to a small sore you found last week. Any unexplained swelling? Discoloration that doesn't hurt a lick?
Most oral lesions, as we call them, are harmless. A piece of crusty French bread with dinner can scratch delicate tissues. But if you use tobacco and alcohol, have or have had HPV, or are being treated for any number of systemic diseases — diabetes, autoimmune disorders among them — that harmless irritation is a red flag. During your dental appointment, we'll take a closer look. When we find a lesion, suspicious or not, we intend to err on the cautious side.
In our office we use Velscope for early detection of oral cancer. Here is how it works: We use a special light to examine the inside of your mouth for abnormalities that could lead to cancer. Healthy tissue in the oral cavity will be greenish in color, while abnormal sites will be dark, usually in the black shade. If we find a suspicious area we will have you follow up witha a specialist to confirm the nature of the formation and the diagnosis.
Early detection can lead to life-saving treatment. Please take care of yourself and don't forget to request an oral cancer screenign at your next visit in our office!
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References: Internet Dental Alliance, http://oralcancerfoundation.org, http://www.cancer.org
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