Oral Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms

Oral Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms Addiction Nicotine Use Smoking-Related Diseases Print Oral Cancer Overview Risk Factors, Signs, and Symptoms By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on August 05, 2016 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on May 10, 2018 Eugenio Marongiu / Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use Smoking-Related Diseases After You Quit How to Quit Smoking Nicotine Withdrawal The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery Imagine sitting across the desk from your doctor receiving the news that youve got oral cancer. Its a scary thought, but one that upwards of 31,000 people have to face every year in the United States alone, according to the American Cancer Society. Approximately 90 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer or pharyngeal cancer (including cancer of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, parts for the nose, and larynx) are tobacco users. Risk Factors Tobacco:  All forms of tobacco increase a persons risk of oral cancer. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to get an oral cancer than nonsmokers.Alcohol:  Heavy, regular alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer. Its estimated that 75 to 80 percent of those with oral cancer drink alcohol frequently. Like smokers, people who drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis are also six times more likely to get an oral cancer than nondrinkers.Tobacco and Alcohol:  The risk for oral cancer that each substance represents is compounded when they are used together.Gender:  It appears that men contract oral cancer at twice the rate of women, due to the fact that they are more likely to smoke and drink heavily for longer periods of time than females.Age:  After the age of 40, the risk of oral cancer increases, with 60 being the average age of diagnosis. Other Risk Factors Viral infectionsImmuno-deficenciesPoor nutritionExposure to ultraviolet light (responsible for many cases of cancer to the lips)Certain occupational exposures Its important to note that survival rates for oral cancers are 50 percent five years after diagnosis. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the better a persons chances for survival are. Signs and Symptoms Sores in the mouth or on the lips that dont heal and/or bleed easily.A white or red patch of skin in the mouth or under the tongue that doesnt go away.A lump in the mouth, throat, or tongue.A sore throat that doesnt go away within a normal period of time.Swallowing and/or chewing is difficult or painful. If you have any of these symptoms, please see your doctor immediately. Oral cancer screening is a normal part of dental checkups, so visit your dentist on a regular basis to get your teeth cleaned. Its one of the best ways to catch oral cancer early. Most oral cancers could be avoided by not using tobacco and/or drinking heavily. If you fall into this risk category, use the information here as a springboard to help you get serious about quitting. Tobacco is a toxic killer and offers you nothing more than disease and ultimately, death.