Simple Steps To Better Dental Health
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Featuring consumer information from Columbia School of Dental & Oral Surgery
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Oral Health Made Simple: Your Prescription For Knowledge
 PREVENT PROBLEMS
Small BoxAll About Cavities
Small BoxBrushing and Flossing
Small BoxFluoride
Small BoxMouth-Healthy Eating
Small BoxSealants
Small BoxTaking Care Of Your Teeth
Small BoxTobacco
Small BoxYour Dental Visit
Small BoxMORE
 CONDITIONS
Small BoxBad Breath
Small BoxCavities
Small BoxCold Sores
Small BoxDry Mouth
Small BoxImpacted Tooth
Small BoxSensitive Teeth
Small BoxTMJ
Small BoxTooth Discoloration
Small BoxMORE
 TREATMENTS
Small BoxCrowns
Small BoxDentures
Small BoxFillings: The Basics
Small BoxGum Surgery
Small BoxImplants
Small BoxRoot Canal Treatment
Small BoxScaling and Root Planing
Small BoxWhitening
Small BoxMORE
 GENERAL TOPICS
Small BoxControlling Pain
Small BoxCosmetic Dentistry
Small BoxEmergencies
Small BoxFill, Repair, Replace
Small BoxKids And Teens
Small BoxOral Health and Your Body
Small BoxOrthodontics
Small BoxPeriodontics
Small BoxSeniors
Small BoxMORE
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Step 1 Prevent ProblemsSimplestepsPrevent Problems
Step 2 Understand ConditionsSimplestepsUnderstand Conditions
Step 3 Explore TreatmentsSimplestepsExplore Treatments

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Catching a Killer:
What You Should Know About Oral Cancer

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space placeholder.Oral Cancer Videos.
space placeholder.Symptoms of Oral Cancer

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Oral cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Only about half of people diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years. That's because cancer in the neck and mouth spreads quickly. Often, it isn't found until it's very advanced.

Oral cancer includes cancer of the throat, lips, mouth, tongue, gums and salivary glands. Anyone can get oral cancer. Although smoking increases the risk, more than 25% of oral cancer cases occur in people who never smoked.

The best way to catch oral cancer early is to have regular exams by your dentist and to learn how to check yourself. Watch the videos to find out how a dentist checks for oral cancer and other problems, and how you can check yourself.


Clinical photographs courtesy of Eric T. Stoopler, D.M.D.

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Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Any unusual sore, spot, patch or lump that does not go away in two weeks should be checked by your dentist. Here are some symptoms of oral cancer:

· A lump or swelling in your neck or under your jaw

· Red or white patches or ulcers that do not heal in two weeks

· A lump or overgrowth of tissue anywhere in your mouth

· Pain when you chew

· Difficulty swallowing

· A hoarse voice or sore throat that doesn't go away

· Numbness in your face or tongue

· A change in the color or size of a mole or freckle on your face

· A change in the way your teeth fit together (your bite)

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Last updated September 30, 2008
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