When it comes to oral health, most people are focused on avoiding cavities or bad breath; we don’t think about ways to prevent oral cancer; however oral cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the world in man and the 18th most common cancer in women. In this blog, we will learn more about the types of oral cancer and how to prevent this disease.
How to reduce the risks of contracting oral cancers?
- Stay away from smoking or smokeless tobacco use
- Don’t drink alcohol in excess
- Keep up with dentist visits
- Get vaccinated for human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Protect your lips from too much sun exposure
- Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables
- Maintain good oral hygiene
Major Causes of oral cancer.
Tobacco use, heavy consumption of alcohol, and infection of HPV are the primary cause of contracting oral cancer worldwide.
Types of mouth and lip cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma – occurs in the outermost part of the skin surface.
Sarcomas – this type of cancer begins in the bones, cartilage, skeletal muscle, smooth muscle, blood vessels, fat, and neuroendocrine cells.
Mucosal Melanoma – is an aggressive tumor that can affect the maxillary gingiva. It can overgrow and is usually painless.
Salivary Gland – a growth of abnormal cells that develops in the glands or tubes that drain the salivary glands. There are multiple types of salivary glands cancer, for example, Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, Carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma.
Would you like to schedule an oral cancer screening? Don’t wait! Schedule your initial check-up today!
