This post from Harris Dental in Phoenix serves as a reminder of how important oral cancer screenings can be.
When it comes to oral cancer survival outcomes, two numbers are key: 40% and 90%.
- 40% of those who receive a late-stage diagnosis die within five years.
- The survival rate for early stage diagnosis is 90%.
Oral Cavity and Oropharynx—Mouth and Throat
Cancers that start in the mouth (or oral cavity) are labeled oral cancers. The oral cavity is composed of the inside tissue of the mouth and cheeks, the lips, the tissue beneath the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the front two-thirds of the tongue.
“Why only two-thirds of the tongue?” you might ask. Good question! The answer is that the back third of the tongue is considered part of the throat.
Throat cancers, or oropharyngeal cancers, start in the oropharynx, the part of the mouth behind the parts considered part of the oral cavity. The oropharynx is comprised of the soft palate, the tonsils, and the throat.
How Are Oral Cancers Diagnosed?
Some oral cancers create symptoms which prompt the patient to see a doctor and others are found by dentists and doctors during exams. Thousands of lives could be saved every year if more people received regular screenings.
A visual oral cancer exam is relatively quick and convenient, especially as compared to other cancer screening tests such as colonoscopies and mammograms. If an abnormality is discovered during an exam, the patient is referred to an appropriate specialist for further testing and diagnosis.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
- Tobacco use (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or snuff)
- Heavy drinking
- Unhealthy diet
- HPV infection
- Weak immune system
- Frequent exposure to UV light (a risk factor for cancers of the lips)
Oral cancer screenings save lives, and are an important part of what we do at Harris Dental in Phoenix. We also offer a wide range of general dentistry services. Schedule an appointment today!
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