Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers, with about 35,000 new cases reported each year in the United States. The vast majority of oral cancers occur in people over the age of 50, with men twice as likely to be ill. The most common oral cancer sites are the tongue, the bottom of the mouth and the soft palate tissue behind the tongue, lips and gums. Without early diagnosis and treatment, oral cancer may spread, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function, irreversible facial and oral discomfort and even death after surgery. Your dentist can thoroughly screen for oral cancer.
