April is an ideal time to have a discussion about oral pathology with your oral surgeon. They are specialized professionals in the dental field, providing services ranging from tooth extraction to disease identification. To better monitor and care for your dental health, learn more about this disease and how oral pathology helps your surgeon accurately diagnose it.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a term given to any cancer that develops in the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, sinuses, and throat. This year, an estimated 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and two-thirds of them will be over the age of 55. On average, around 10,000 individuals diagnosed with oral cancer will succumb to this disease.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

While anyone can be diagnosed with oral cancer, there are specific lifestyle habits that can increase your risk of developing this disease. The use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco, can put you at a greater risk of getting oral cancer. Additionally, spending time in the sun without proper protection can leave your skin vulnerable to cancer of the lips.

What Are the Signs of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can present itself in several different ways depending on the part of the mouth it is located in. The most common signs include a sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal, white or reddish patches in the mouth that cannot be scraped off, swelling or thickening of the mouth tissues, and unexplained bleeding. Your surgeon will evaluate your symptoms and may recommend oral pathology to rule out cancer.

Can It Be Treated?

When diagnosed with stage one or two oral cancer, most patients respond positively to surgery and radiation therapy. If the disease is in more advanced stages, chemotherapy may also be recommended to take a more aggressive approach to treatment. You can help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by regularly visiting your dental professional, avoiding tobacco products, and wearing protection when exposed to the sun.

If you want to learn more about cancer of the mouth and oral pathology options, talk with the professionals at Oral Surgery Center, S.C. in Baraboo, WI. Because the oral surgeons on staff understand how important your dental health is to your overall well-being, they take their time during examinations to provide the most thorough review and diagnosis. To learn more about Oral Surgery Center, S.C., visit them online or call (608) 356-2112.