Heeding the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

SAN LEANDRO — Treating cancer is one of the great challenges of modern health care, and dentistry is no exception. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and only slightly more than half typically survive. In fact, oral cancer has a higher mortality rate than many more well-known forms of cancer.

The Oral Cancer Foundation asserts the main reason for oral cancer’s unusually high mortality rate is that it’s typically discovered in later stages when treatment is less effective. As with any form of cancer, early detection is the most important factor in successfully treating oral cancer. For this reason, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential warning signs. These include:

• Unusual lumps or bumps

• Changes in texture, contour or color in the mouth

• Sores that grow rapidly or bleed spontaneously

• Any sore or lump that hasn’t subsided after 12 days

If you notice one or more of these developments, schedule an appointment with your dentist or physician to have it checked out.