Each year, over 43, 250 people are diagnosed with oral cancer. Of these, around half will pass away within five years. Why are oral cancer mortality rates so high? The fact is most people are not diagnosed until the late stages of the disease. However, with screenings during regular checkups, the disease can be diagnosed and oral cancer treatment started right away.
Diagnosing Oral Cancer
During your routine checkups, your Cerritos CA oral surgeon will perform a thorough screening. This allows us to uncover the earliest indicators of oral cancer. Common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Oral sores that bleed
- White patches underneath your tongue
- Sores that don’t heal or lumps in your mouth
- White patches in your mouth
- Pain when chewing or swallowing
- A consistently sore or hoarse throat
- Dry mouth or loose teeth
If a potentially cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion is found, we fill remove a portion of the tissue for a biopsy. The types of biopsy performed will depend on a number of factors, including your dental health and the type of lesion present in your mouth. If the results come back positive, then your Cerritos CA oral surgeon will assist through each stage of the treatment process.
Oral Cancer Treatment
There are multiple oral cancer treatment options. The stage of the cancer, along with your dental health and overall health will decide which treatment will work best for you. Common treatments or surgeries associated with oral cancer treatment include:
- Chemotherapy to kill the cancer cells
- Radiation therapy, using x-rays to kill cancer cells
- Oral surgery to remove any tumors and surrounding tissue
- Reconstructive surgery to correct the areas where the tumors or cancer cells were surgically removed
If you have any questions or concerns, contact your Cerritos CA oral surgeon today.
About Shawn Hofkes, DDS
With advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Shawn Hofkes, DDS is qualified to provide comfortable, safe dental surgery from our state-of-the-art dentist office in Cerritos, CA. To schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.
