Mouth Cancer is cancer of the mouth and can extend as far back as the last molar or "wisdom tooth". This would include the area behind the lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, palate, and front 2/3 of the tongue. .
Each year in the United States there are about 20,000.
new cases of mouth cancer leading to 4,000 deaths annually from this disease. Men are affected twice as often as women. Overall, mouth cancer represents about 3% of all new cancers each year, and it is more common in blacks than whites, and in those of "lower economic status" (poor people). The average patient is normally around the age of 60 years old.
Like any cancer, the exact reason why one person gets mouth cancer and another does not remains unknown. However, several risk factors have been shown to be much more likely to be present in mouth cancer patients.
Some causes for Mouth Cancer include: Tobacco Usage, Alcohol Usage, Poor Mouth Hygiene, Ill-Fitting Dentures, Betel-Nut Chewing, and Lowered Immunity.
The history of cancer of the aero-digestive tract can mean as much as 5% chance of a separate simultaneous cancer, and a 25% chance of developing another cancer in this area over time (especially if risks like smoking are continued).
The mouth is an amazing machine for speech and eating, it actually starts the process of digestion. Normally good mouth hygiene ensures healthy teeth, and a lifetime of trouble free chewing (the muscles of the jaw are the strongest of the body).
The treatments for cancers in these areas are different. It is critical to get prompt diagnosis and proper treatment for a mouth cancer problem, this can make the difference between mutilating surgery or an excellent cosmetic result, or even life or death. Understanding your opinions in dealing with a mouth cancer problem will give you a peace-of-mind of knowing that you have done everything possible to ensure a successful outcome for yourself or a loved one.
