Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among U.S. adults. While oral cancer is not the biggest killer among variations of this disease, it is very dangerous! It can also be sneaky; many cases are not diagnosed until relatively late in their progress. But just how fast does oral cancer spread, and what steps can you take to protect yourself against becoming one of its victims? This blog post provides helpful information.
Factors that Affect the Spread of Oral Cancer
There is no one rate at which oral cancer spreads. Indeed, there are a number of factors that play into its progression, including the following:
- Type of Cancer: Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which begin with the thin, flat squamous cells. This variety tends to spread faster, with approximately 3 to 7 percent of cases showing metastasis during the first year. Rarer variations, such as verrucous carcinoma, progress more slowly.
- Location in the Mouth: The original site of the cancer influences the rate of its progression. Cancer that starts in the gums may spread to other locations more rapidly than one that begins on the tongue. Each primary location brings distinct characteristics that affect how the disease behaves.
- The Patient’s Overall Health: Health prior to diagnosis plays a key role. Individuals with compromised immune systems, poor dietary habits, or underlying health conditions may experience swifter advancement of oral cancer.
Protect Yourself from Oral Cancer
Taking positive steps can reduce the risk of oral cancer becoming a major threat to your health. Here are some smart actions that you can put into play:
- Reduce Risk Factors: Using tobacco in any form, excessive alcohol intake, and exposure to certain other harmful substances all increase your vulnerability to cancer. Reducing or eliminating these habits is always a wise idea.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Choosing nutritious foods, participating in regular physical activity, and following other healthy routines help support a strong immune system and lower the likelihood of cancer.
- Monitor Your Oral Health: Examine your mouth regularly for growths, persistent sores, discoloration, unexplained pain, loose teeth, and vocal changes. These issues should be evaluated by a professional as soon as possible.
- Schedule Routine Screenings: At Sunrise Dental Service, we include an oral cancer screening as part of every patient’s routine examination. All adults should get screened at least once a year so oral cancer can be detected as early in its development as possible.
- Respond Quickly to Concerns: If our team, or any of your other medical care providers, expresses concern that you might have cancer, do not unnecessarily delay treatment and testing.
Oral cancer can spread quickly! Be vigilant about monitoring your mouth for unusual signs and symptoms, and take smart steps to protect yourself from this devastating disease.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Makadia has been serving patients for more than 30 years. He uses advanced technology, including VELscope, which can help detect abnormal tissues before signs of cancer become obvious to the naked eye. If it has been more than a year since your last oral cancer screening, we urge you to schedule one as soon as possible. Contact our Bohemia, Long Island, office at 631-567-5566.