Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx (the back of the throat). Oral cancer accounts for roughly two percent of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. Approximately 35,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Fifty percent of those with the disease will not survive more than 5 years.

See a dentist or physician if any of the following symptoms lasts for more than 2 weeks.

• A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.
• A white or red patch in your mouth.
• A feeling that something is caught in your throat .
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing .
• Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue.
• Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth .
• Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable .
• Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

Early Detection

It is important to find oral cancer as early as possible when it can be treated more successfully. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for signs of cancer. We screen for oral cancer at every dental cleaning visit which includes a special light for early detection.