Although you may not hear a lot about it, oral cancer is one of the more commonly occurring types of the disease. The term “oral cancer” refers to those diseases affecting the lips, tongue, gums and soft tissues of the mouth. Causes of oral cancer typically include alcohol and tobacco use, along with sun damage and Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Screening
Screening for oral cancer is done during your quarterly dental checkup and exam. We’ll check various surfaces inside your mouth, looking for any tissue irregularities or lumps. If we note anything suspicious, we’ll discuss your options for further testing and to customize the treatment. If you use tobacco in any form or have another reason why you feel you may be at a higher risk, be sure to let us know.
Treatment
Oral cancer, especially when caught early, is absolutely curable. If you have any suspicions at all, please do bring them to our attention as that early detection is key to a successful treatment. Most oral cancers are treated with surgery to remove the cancerous tissues, and depending on the stage at detection, other treatment options may be recommended.
