The Dangers of Oral Cancer

How common and how serious is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, accounting for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed
Roughly 30,000 new cases of oral cancer reported annually in the United States
The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people older than 45
Men are twice as likely as women to develop the disease
Oral cancer can lead to chronic pain, loss of function, irreparable facial and oral disfigurement, and death
Oral cancer accounts for roughly 9,000 deaths annually
Oral cancer has one of the worst five-year survival rate - about 54%
Because oral cancer is usually not diagnosed early, fewer than half of all oral cancer patients are cured

What causes oral cancer?

Carcinogens in tobacco products, alcohol and betel nut
Excessive exposure to the sun
Risk factors for oral cancer may also be genetically inherited
Human papillomavirus infection

What are the warning signs to watch out for?

Red, white or discolored lesions, patches or lumps in or around the mouth
Typically painless in its early stages
As the cancer spreads and destroys healthy oral tissue, the lesions or lumps become more painful
See your dentist immediately if you have any sore that persists longer than two weeks
A swelling, growth or lump anywhere in or about the mouth or neck
Repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent hoarseness

How is oral cancer treated?

A biopsy of the lesion is required to confirm the diagnosis
Surgery is required to remove the tumors
Radiation therapy may be used as part of the treatment

What can I do to prevent oral cancer?

Do not smoke, use spit tobacco, chew betel quid or paan or drink excessive alcohol
When tobacco use and alcohol use are combined, the risk of oral cancer increases 15 times more than that for non-users
Eating plenty fruits and vegetables may safeguard against oral cancer
See your dentist for an oral cancer screening and regular checkup at least every six months

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Health Tip:

Microwaves and 'Erupted Hot Water Phenomena'

Hot-water eruption can occur if you use a microwave oven to super-heat water in a clean cup. ("Super-heated" means the water is hot beyond boiling temperature, although it shows no signs of boiling.)

A slight disturbance or movement may cause the water to violently explode out of the cup. There have been reports of serious skin burns or scalding injuries around people's hands and faces as a result of this phenomenon.

Adding materials such as instant coffee or sugar to the water before heating greatly reduces the risk of hot-water eruption. Also, follow the precautions and recommendations found in microwave oven instruction manuals; specifically the heating time.

More microwaves safety tips.