Oral Cancer is on the rise...
Oral cancer is indeed on the rise. At Norge Dental Center we utilize the latest technology in early oral cancer detection: The VelScope. It is a simple hand held light that identifies normal tissue from abnormal tissue. Anything abnormal then requires follow up. Oral cancer screening should be considered the standard of care during regular dental appointments. Here is a great video on the importance of oral cancer screening and who is at risk...
When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% survival rate. Unfortunately the majority of cases are found as late-stage cancers, accounting for the high death rate of about 45% at five years from diagnosis, and high treatment related morbidity in survivors.
- Found early, while still Localized (confined to the primary site), oral cancer's five-year survival rate is strong: about 83%. Only 33% of all oral cancer discoveries fall into this category.
- Found while Regional (after progressed to regional lymph nodes), the five-year survival rate drops significantly, to about 55%. Approximately 46% of all oral cancer discoveries are Regional.
- Found late, oral cancer's five-year survival rate is poor: approximately 32%. This accounts for approximately 14% of all oral cancer findings.
Clearly, finding oral cancer in its early stages is key to survival. Routine VELscope Vx examinations can improve the morbidity and mortality of oral-cancer, because the VELscope Vx system assists in early detection, potentially saving lives through less invasive, more effective treatment. We consider this a part of our standard of care here at Norge Dental Center
Here are some of the known risk factors:
- HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus)
- oral sex
- family history of cancer
- use of alcohol
- use of illegal drugs
- history of eating disorders
- substance abuse problems
- smokeless tobacco
If you have not been screened for oral cancer ask your dentist/hygenist today about their screening methods.