Stages of Oral Cancer, Prevention, and Treatment

Did you know that more than 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year? Your dentist performs an oral cancer screening during your biannual dental checkups. This allows them to keep an eye out for the early signs of this condition so treatment can be started as soon as possible. So that you have an idea of what signs may be a cause for concern, read on to learn about the different stages of oral cancer and tips for treatment and prevention.

Stage 0 Oral Cancer

This early stage of oral cancer is also called carcinoma in situ. At this point, a group of abnormal cells have begun to form but have yet to spread to different areas of the mouth. These cells may become cancerous.

Stage 1 Oral Cancer

During this stage, a tumor that is no more than two centimeters in size starts to form. The cancer has yet to spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage 2 Oral Cancer

This is when the tumor grows to between two and four centimeters. The cancer cells haven’t spread to the lymph nodes yet.

Stage 3 Oral Cancer

At this point, the tumor has grown to be larger than 4 centimeters, but the cancer hasn’t made its way to the lymph nodes yet. Alternatively, the tumor may be any size and the cancer has spread to a single lymph node in the neck.

Stage 4 Oral Cancer

This stage of oral cancer can present itself in several ways. The cancer cells have begun spreading to the jaw, other areas within the oral cavity, or other parts of the body. The tumor can be any size, and there will be:

• A single lymph node that’s bigger than three centimeters and on the same side of the neck as the tumor
• Several affected lymph nodes of any size that are on the same side of the neck as the tumor
• One affected lymph node of any size that is on the opposite side of the neck as the tumor

Oral Cancer Prevention

While there aren’t any proven means of oral cancer prevention, a few ways to reduce your risk include:

• Nutrition – Talk to your dentist, doctor, or nutritionist to ensure that you’re getting the vitamins, minerals, and calories your body needs.
• Cut out bad habits – Avoid bad habits that can raise your risk of cancer, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Visiting your dentist – They will perform an oral cancer screening during your biannual appointments so it can be treated early on.
• Limit sun exposure – Sun exposure on your lips may raise your risk of oral cancer, so limit the time you spend basking in it.

Oral Cancer Treatment

If you do end up developing oral cancer, there are several methods that may be used to treat it. A few common cancer treatment options include:

• Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells or slow their growth
• Surgery to remove tumors and cancerous lymph nodes
• Targeted therapy to inhibit the growth of cancer cells
• Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells

As you can see, visiting your dentist every six months for an oral cancer screening is key to early prevention. This will allow you to keep your body healthy and your smile bright!

About the Practice

Are you a resident of Vienna or a nearby community who needs a team of trustworthy, helpful, and compassionate oral health professionals to help you care for your smile? Look no further than Pace Dental of Vienna. They offer a range of services, including oral cancer screenings, to help you maintain a healthy body and smile. To set up an appointment or for more information, visit their website or call their office at (703) 705-7476.