• 5/26/2005
  • Washington, D.C.
  • Dr. J. Peter St. Clair
  • Georgetown Record on (www2.townonline.com)

About 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancers each year. They account for 3 percent of all cancers diagnosed. More than a quarter of these patients will die from the disease. The percentage is high because many of these diagnoses are established at a late age. Those that see a dentist on a regular basis are more likely to get an early diagnosis because it is a routine part of the exam done by both hygienists and dentists.

Tobacco factors into 75 percent of all cases. The concomitant use and/or abuse of alcohol seems to have a synergistic effect. It is thought that alcohol may increase the permeability of mucosal cells to the carcinogens in tobacco. Furthermore, alcohol may be metabolized into a known carcinogen.

Most patients who are diagnosed are over age 45 years of age. There is an increasing group of patients who are younger, in the 20-30 year range. The male-female ratio is about 2:1 but the gap is narrowing.

It has been found that individuals who have a diet rich in certain elements such as carotenoid compounds, selenium, folic acid, and vitamins A, C and E, as found in fresh fruits and vegetables, have a decreased incidence of oral cancers. Interestingly, smokers experience a diminished capacity to absorb these nutrients from their diet.

Oral cancer occurs most frequently in the tongue, accounting for about 30 percent of all oral cancers. Cancers of the tongue seem to be increasing, compared to cancers of the lip (17 percent), which seem to be decreasing. The floor of the mouth accounts for about 14 percent. The gingival, palate, cheek mucosa as well as the salivary glands can all be affected.

It is estimated that 50 percent of adult tobacco users and 75 percent of adolescent tobacco users see their dentist at least once a year. Oral cancer screening, which can be performed in less than a couple of minutes, is considered standard of care in dental medicine. Early detection greatly increases survival rates. If you haven’t seen your dentist in over a year, call today to make an appointment.