Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Oral Cancer Facts


 Each year approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer.  About 8,000 die from the disease each year.

The chance of a complete cure is highest when detected early. When it is detected in its precancerous stage, oral cancer can be prevented. Oral cancer screening is a routine and important segment of the regular recare visits says Dr. Cherukuri.

Oral Cancer Symptoms
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
- A color change of the oral tissues
- A lump, thickening, crust, rough spot or small eroded area.
- Pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth or lips.

.Risk factors include smoking, tobacco chewing, drinking alcohol, repeated trauma and spicy food.  A full 25% of cases have no risk factors at all.

Regular Dental Appointments are Critical. Late stage treatment usually involves major facial surgery with only a 50% chance of survival longer than 5 years.

Early Detection is Key!!



 

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