Source: abclocal.go.com
Author: Leslie Toldo

A quick zap from a painless laser could stop a deadly form of cancer. HealthFirst reporter Leslie Toldo tells us about this oral cancer breakthrough.

Oral cancer has a high death rate compared to some other cancers, and the survival rate isn’t improving. But this new treatment could stop it before it starts.

They’re often detected in a routine dental or doctor’s exam — red or white lesions called leukoplakia that can turn into serious, even deadly oral cancers.

“I do happen to know people that have died of this kind of cancer, and so we watch it very closely,” said oral cancer survivor Mike Hagerman.

Hagerman, a former smoker, is a two-time oral cancer survivor. His leukoplakia is back. This time, he’s part of a study testing a new photodynamic laser treatment designed to eliminate precancerous cells.

Dr. Stuart Wong is a medical oncologist. “When the laser fires onto the lesion, it emits light at a very specific frequency that causes free oxygen radicals that destroy the lesion.”

Tested on the hand or used in the mouth on actual lesions, researchers say the laser doesn’t hurt. it’s a preventive measure that doctor say could save lives.

“There is some emerging data that the better we can kill off these early precancerous lesions, that that might translate later down the road many, many years to a decreasing in the development of cancers and that’s the goal,” Wong noted.

Oral cancer has a five-year survival rate of less than 50 percent. Doctors say early detection can be crucial. Check your mouth regularly. If you see a red or white spot or feel something irregular, get it checked immediately.

Even non-smokers can get oral cancer. In fact, non-smokers are the fastest growing cases of oral cancer, with men at a higher risk than women, overall.