Oral Cancer Screenings Help Save Lives

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral Cancer accounts for roughly 2 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the United States.
Approximately 35,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer each year and about 7,600 will die from the disease.
If oral cancer is detected when the disease is still localized (when it has not spread beyond the original tumor site), the five-year relative survival rate is 82 percent.
However, half of all oral cancers are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes (regional cancer). At this stage, the five-year relative survival rate drops to 53 percent. And those diagnosed when the cancer has spread further, have only a 28 percent five-year relative survival rate.
One of the real dangers of oral cancer is that in early stages it can go unnoticed. It is usually painless and physical changes may not be obvious.
Those at increased risk include anyone ages 40 and over, ages 13-39 combined with tobacco use (smoked or smokeless), chronic alcohol use, sun exposure, and oral HPV infection (Human Papilloma Virus).
The highest risk group includes those ages 65 and older with the previously mentioned lifestyle risks; and a previous oral cancer diagnosis. Twenty-five percent of oral cancer cases occur in non-smokers with no other risk factors.
Thus, early detection of oral cancer is paramount in order to treat it more successfully. Most dentists perform a visual examination of your mouth to screen for oral cancer during a routine dental visit. However, certain tests are available, for example, Vizilite Plus, that offer an enhanced oral cancer screening.
The Vizilite Plus Oral Cancer Screening Test is a simple, painless procedure that involves a rinse and the use of a light wand. It helps detect tissue abnormalities that may go undetected during a standard visual exam.
If an unusual area is noticed during the exam, further testing may be necessary. If a sore or abnormal area in your mouth persists for more than 14 days, it is essential to have it evaluated by your dentist immediately.
A tissue biopsy may be necessary in order to establish a final diagnosis and to determine treatment.
Ask your doctor whether Oral Cancer Screening is appropriate for you. Also inquire about ways to reduce your risk for oral cancers, such as smoking cessation.
We at Cape May Dental Associates are committed to providing the best care possible for all our patients. Come in and request a Vizilite Plus oral cancer screening exam with your check-up.
—Chie Li Ee, DMD and Lori Melchionni, RDH