Each year, the American Cancer Society issues its oral cancer statistical estimates for the United States for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of oral cancer screening. This year, they estimate the following:

• 54,540 people are projected to be diagnosed with oral cancer.
• Age 64 is the average age most people are diagnosed with oral cancer, but it can occur in younger adults also; 1 in 5 of all diagnoses are in patients under 55 years old.
• 11,580 people are estimated to die from oral cancer – this equates to one American dying from oral cancer every hour of every day.
• 70% of those individuals were in stage three (3) and four (4) cancer. In these advanced stages of cancer, the five (5) year survival rate is below 50%.
• Identifying oral cancer earlier helps improve a patient's survival rate to as high as 90%. Additionally, earlier detection can result in fewer and less radical disfiguring facial surgeries to remove the cancer. Unfortunately, those who do survive late-stage oral cancer often suffer disfigurement due to surgeries to remove the lower jaw, lips, and tongue.

According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancers are most often found in:

• Tongue
• Tonsils and oropharynx (part of throat)
• Gums and floor of mouth
• Lips
• Minor salivary glands (usually roof of mouth)

Oral Cancer Examination by Dr. Marion

How to Detect Oral Cancer in the Early Stages

Given the staggering incidence of oral cancer, early detection with regular oral cancer screenings is critically important. The ADA recommends that dentists screen adult patients every year and high-risk adults every six (6) months.

At Marion Smile Center, we examine patients using the latest in medical technology, which includes a specialized instrument utilizing three different wavelengths of light to detect conditions like oral cancer or premalignant dysplasia at their earliest stages. Using a tool called the Veloscope, our providers can see below the tissue. This fluorescent light technology allows us to detect a tissue abnormality before it can be seen with the naked eye. If an area is observed that is out of the norm during the oral cancer examination, Dr. Marion may have you come back for a follow-up to recheck the area and be sure it's not just an injury. He also may refer you to an oral surgeon for a biopsy and further assessment if needed.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

• Smoking cigarettes or cigars, vaping, or chewing tobacco
• Consuming 1 or more alcoholic beverage per day
• History of cancer
• Family history of oral cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Diabetes
• HPV
• Sun exposure to lips
• Weakened immune system

Oral Cancer Symptoms

• Swelling or thickening on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Mouth bleeding
• Numbness or tenderness in the face
• Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal within two weeks
• Feeling a lump in your throat
• Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
• Change in voice and bite
• Weight loss
• Ear pain

Prioritize Your Oral Health

Sometimes oral cancer is hereditary, but there are some things that you can do to help lessen your chances of being diagnosed.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Eat nutrient filled foods and exercise regularly.
• Quit smoking or using tobacco.
• Drink in moderation.
• Once a month, perform a self-exam checking for any lumps, bumps, or abnormalities around your lips, gums, mouth, cheeks, tongue, and throat.

Oral Cancer Examination in Zelienople, PA

If you or a loved one is experiencing a combination of the symptoms above, do not hesitate to contact our experienced team at Marion Smile Center to get screened for oral cancer. Remember - early detection saves lives. By finding abnormalities in their earliest stages, the chances of successful treatment and survival greatly improve. Regular cleanings and exams with your dentist help to identify any concerns early and allow for timely intervention if necessary.

Learn more about Oral Cancer Screenings in Zelienople, PA.