Oral Cancer: Treatment
Prognosis of lip cancer is quite good, with a five year survival rate at 95% -100% for lower lip carcinoma and 58% for upper lip carcinoma. Intraoral cancer prognosis is dependent upon the stage of lymph node involvement. If no metastases have occurred, the five-year survival rate is 83%, decreasing to 41% with cervical node involvement and 9% when nodes below the clavicle are involved.
Prevention
- Annual oral cancer screening exam
- Recommended by American Cancer Society
- Tobacco cessation
- Alcohol use in moderation
Treatment
- Evaluation by a specialist for any mouth lesion that won't heal or bleeds easily; persistent lump or soreness in the mouth, throat, or tongue; or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions
- Surgical resection, lymph node dissection, radiation, or chemotherapy are all treatment options depending on clinical stage and location
Oral Cancer Examples
Ricardo Padilla, DDS
Ellen Eisenberg, DMD
References
Oral Cancer, American Cancer Society. Accessed on 9/20/2021
Oral Cancer Facts, The Oral Cancer Foundation. Accessed on 9/20/2021
Final Update Summary: Oral Cancer: Screening. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. September 2016 Accessed on 9/20/2021