How to Improve an Oral Cancer Diagnosis
What You Should Know about Improvement of an Oral Cancer Prognosis
With nearly 40,000 people being diagnosed with oral cancer every year, as estimated by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), this type of disease can often seem hopeless. What is important for those with oral cancer to remember is an oral cancer prognosis can be a less impactful experience when it is detected early on and treatment of the condition is timely.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer that remains local has a five-year survival rate of just over 80 percent – much higher than the approximate 30 percent survival rate for those whose oral cancer has metastasized or spread to other areas of the body. Because of this, recognizing the signs of oral cancer is so important, and all patients are encouraged to have regular oral cancer screenings. Additionally, individuals diagnosed with oral cancer are encouraged to seek early and aggressive treatment.
Some of the signs of oral cancer patients should keep an eye out for include:
- Feeling of something caught in the throat
- Unexplained thickening or lump in the oral cavity
- Hoarseness or sore throat
- Problems moving the jaw
- Numbness of the tongue or other part of the mouth
- Swelling that causes dentures to become uncomfortable
Minimizing Complications with Oral Cancer Treatment
There are a number of complications that can occur for patients going through oral cancer treatments. These can often include swelling lasting a long period of time, ulcers, bleeding, increased risk of infection, and dry mouth. While these side effects may be unavoidable, there are some ways patients can help to minimize these risks and help improve their prognosis. These include:
- Visiting the dentist to manage existing oral issues before treatment, such as fractured teeth, gum disease, and decay
- Brushing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste both after meals and before bed
- Keeping the mouth cavity moist by sipping water throughout the day, using sugar-free gum or candies, and/or using a saliva substitute
- Flossing daily but avoiding bleeding or tender areas
- Using alcohol free mouthwash
- Following the dentist’s instructions for using a supplemental fluoride
- Exercising jaw muscles frequently
- Avoiding acidic or spicy foods
- Quit smoking/using smoke-less tobacco products
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