In 2022, an approximate 54,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with oral cancer, and about 11,000 Americans died of the illness that same year. Oral cancer can be a very fast spreading disease, and can appear in the lips, tongue, cheeks, hard palate, floor of the mouth, and even the gums. Where it is located and the type of cancer all play a role in how quickly it can spread as well as how survivable it will be. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of cancer, as well as the fastest growing.
Because of the rapidity in which this type of cancer grows, early detection is key. But while it can be difficult to tell if you have any type of oral cancer, your periodontist provides regular oral cancer screenings at your biannual exam and cleaning appointments. Here’s why it’s important to see them regularly, and some important oral cancer warning signs that could save your life.
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