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 because cancer in the neck and mouth spreads quickly, and it often isn't found until it's very advanced.
Anyone can get oral cancer, which includes cancer of the throat, lips, mouth, tongue, gums and salivary glands. Although smoking increases the risk of oral cancer, more than 25 percent 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 examines you to check 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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