Facts about oral cancer

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Crystal Jarvis
  • 509th MDOS
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Oral cancer is not a well known form of cancer, but it is in the top 10 of all cancer diagnoses in the United States.  The 95th Medical Group wants everyone here to be aware of this potentially deadly disease and what servicemembers and civilians can do to help minimize the risks. 

Oral cancer is part of a group called head and neck cancers. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth or throat. It is estimated that approximately 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with either oral cancer or throat cancer this year. It is also estimated that 8,000 Americans will die of head or neck cancer this year.
 
Most oral cancer begins on the tongue and on the floor of the mouth; however, it can occur on the lips, cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth as well as in the throat. The main reason oral cancer is associated with a high number of deaths is because it is hard to detect.  It is usually painless in the beginning stages, and often goes undiagnosed until it has metastasized to other areas of the body.

There are many risk factors associated with oral cancer, most of which are preventable. The following are some of the risk factors that may lead to oral cancer: tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic denture irritation, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, and the human papillomavirus. While these factors increase an individual's chances of getting oral cancer, research has shown that it has been found in individuals with none of the aforementioned risk factors.

The best protection against any type of cancer, to include oral or throat cancer, is early detection. Signs and symptoms of oral cancer include, but are not limited to: a sore in mouth that does not heal in 7 to14 days, or appears to increase in size; difficulty chewing or swallowing; abnormal lumps; white, blue, or red patches in the mouth; pain, tenderness or numbness on the mouth or lips; or an unexplainable change in an individual's voice.

"It is recommended that individuals perform a monthly self-examination to detect any signs of oral cancer," said Lt. Col. Craig Folsom, a dentist at 95th Medical Group.

To perform the self-examination, stand in front of a mirror that has sufficient lighting. The first step is to remove any dental prosthesis that may be in the mouth. Next, look at and feel the lips, gums and roof of the mouth. Then, pull out the cheeks to check the inside surfaces, as well as the back sides of the gums. After that, check the tongue, to include the sides and the floor of the mouth. Finally, feel for enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and under the jaw.

It is important to stress, there are many risk factors that play a role in developing oral cancer, but most can be prevented.  Healthy lifestyle changes and monthly self-examinations are highly recommended to protect against this silent, deadly disease. Remember, the best protection is early detection.