Here are some facts about oral cancer that you might not know:
- Oral cancer is commonly associated with a strong history of synergistically using both alcohol and tobacco. In fact, drinking and smoking increases one’s risk of developing oral cancer by 15 times.
- Recently there has been an increase in oral cancer linked human papilloma virus 16 (hpv 16), a virus implicated in cervical cancer. The majority of people exposed or infected with HPV 16 (99%) will not develop HPV related oral cancer.
- The most common site for oral cancer is the lateral borders (sides of the tongue adjacent to the teeth) of the tongue followed by the floor of the mouth.
- Approximately 45,750 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.
- An oral cancer screening takes 3 minutes to be performed by your dentist and should be done yearly.
- The death rate associated with oral cancer believed to be high, because the cancer is often found late in its development.
- It is more common in men than women occurring in two men to each woman.
- Oral cancer affected Sigmund Freud, Michael Douglas and Ulysses S. Grant.
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal may be a sign of oral cancer.
- If you notice a sore in your mouth that lingers for more than two weeks, you should visit your dentist for further evaluation.
About Dr. Levi
As a general dentist with advanced training in dental oncology, Dr. Lauren Levi delivers comprehensive oral care to cancer patients in a warm, supportive, and gentle environment. After receiving her D.M.D. at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Dr. Levi completed a general practice residency at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center. During her residency, Dr. Levi rotated through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she discovered her interest in dental oncology. She then pursued a fellowship in dental oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This training equipped her with extensive experience performing dental treatment on patients who are receiving chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplants, and those who may face individual dental needs because of these treatment programs. For more information on dental oncology, visit http://laurenlevidmd.com.