You may already know that the sooner oral cancer is diagnosed and treated, the higher the survival rates. That is because early detection can prevent cancer from metastasizing (spreading) into other parts of the body. The further it travels, the more likely it is to become terminal. But just how fast does it spread? The answer depends on a few factors.
What Factors Affect How Quickly Cancer Spreads?
The type of cancer: “Cancer” is a general term that can be used to describe a range of specific conditions. Most cancers that occur in the mouth are squamous cell carcinomas, which start out as thin, flat cells known as squamous cells. This type of cancer tends to spread quickly, with about 3 – 7% of cases reaching a secondary location within just one year. Other types of cancer may grow at different rates. For example, verrucous carcinomas tend to spread much more slowly.
The cancer’s location: The origin point of cancer can have a bearing on how quickly it spreads. For example, cancer that begins in the gums often spreads more quickly than cancer that starts in the tongue.
The patient’s overall health: If a cancer patient had poor overall health prior to their diagnosis, the cancer may spread more quickly than it would in an otherwise healthy person.
Fighting Cancer Before It Spreads
Because survival rates are higher among cancer patients whose disease has not metastasized, it is important to be proactive about your health and take steps to prevent and/or catch cancer as early in its development as possible. Here are some things you can do:
- Manage your risk factors. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking to lower your risk of oral cancer.
- Maintain your overall health. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle can reduce cancer risk.
- Monitor your oral health. Visit your dentist if you notice unusual symptoms like growths or discoloration in your mouth. A persistent sore throat, voice changes, loose teeth, and pain are other red flags to look for.
- Get regular screenings. Adults should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year. This is a quick and easy process that is usually included in a standard dental exam.
- Act quickly if you might have cancer. If your screening reveals that there is cause for concern, follow-up quickly with appropriate testing. If you have cancer, do not unnecessarily delay treatment.
Oral cancer is a serious condition that has the potential to spread rapidly. Use the tips in this article to protect your health.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we routinely perform oral cancer screenings during our patients’ preventive checkups. If it has been more than a year since your last screening, we encourage you to visit us for this important service! To learn more or to request an appointment, get in touch with our Branford location at 203-439-6895.