What Type of Mouth Cancers Do Oral Surgeons Treat?
Posted on 4/26/2021 by Ankur Johri
While cancer treatment has evolved over time and a cancer diagnosis no longer means terminal, just being diagnosed with cancer can be quite alarming. As with any cancer, early detection is the key to successful treatment of oral cancers which is why regular evaluations are highly recommended. Patients should be performing their own form of oral exam each night while brushing their teeth. They should look for growths, odd, discolored patches along their gums or roof of their mouths. These could be signs of oral cancer and should be evaluated by our office.
Oral cancer can affect more than just the teeth and gums. In some cases, it can reach the tongue, lips, and even the throat.
Different Types of Cancer
Some behaviors can put patients at a greater risk for contracting oral cancer. The obvious ones are using tobacco products which include cigars, pipes, cigarettes, and even smokeless tobacco. E-Cigs are also considered risky and can increase the risk of contracting it. One strange factor is overexposure to direct sunlight which can also be a risk factor.
The most common of all oral cancers are known as squamous cell carcinomas which make up 90% of all cancer diagnoses. This is also the easiest to treat. Verrucous carcinomas comprise approximately 5% of oral cancer and is a slow-growing cancer also involving the squamous cells. This type of cancer does not harm other nearby tissue.
Salivary gland carcinomas are just as they sound, a cancer which develops in the minor salivary glands. These are located in the mouth and throat. Lymphomas are oral cancers which begin in the lymph nodes. This can be a fast-acting cancer because if it invades the lymphatic system it can spread throughout the body.
About 25% of all leukoplakia cells become cancerous. These show as white patches in the mouth. However, we are here to really help determine if you have cancer when you call us for your consultation.
Dental Blog | Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Allentown, PA Check out the dental blog that Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Allentown, PA put together to educate our patients. Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd #311, Allentown, PA 18103 | (610) 435-6161 | lehighoms.com | 11/14/2024 | Related Terms: oral surgeon Allentown PA |