Mouth Cancer FAQs
Mouth cancer may not be something many people think about, but understanding it is a crucial part of protecting your oral health. The key to controlling this cancer is early detection through regular checkups by our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Here are answers to some common questions we get about mouth cancer.
What Is Mouth Cancer?
It is a type of cancer that affects the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, roof, and floor of the mouth. The primary characteristic is the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells. Symptoms can include:
- A sore or lump that doesn’t go away
- Red or white patches
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Numbness
Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, will look for these symptoms as part of a routine exam.
What Are the Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer?
Anyone can develop this form of cancer, but there are specific risk factors. Smoking or tobacco use, for example, is a common issue. It can also be a complication of human papillomavirus (HPV).
What Is the Treatment for Mouth Cancer?
The primary treatment plan will include oral surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to remove the cancer. In the early stages, that may be all that is necessary. More advanced cancers may require chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted biologic treatments.
Can You Survive Mouth Cancer?
Several factors influence the potential survival rate of oral cancers. Caught early, 85% of people do survive with treatment. That number drops when the disease is more advanced. At stage 4, the survival rate is 35%.
Since early detection is key, we perform oral cancer screenings during each dental checkup. The dentist will conduct a thorough visual and physical examination of at-risk areas to rule out potential cancerous growths.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a comprehensive dental exam and oral cancer screening. We are also available to answer any other questions you may have about mouth cancer.
