Oral cancer claims thousands of lives each year. Fortunately, survival rates are relatively high when it is detected early on. Receiving a timely diagnosis and prompt treatment is essential in order to prevent the disease from advancing and causing serious harm throughout the body. But once cancer develops, just how quickly can it spread? And what can you do to protect yourself? This blog post provides some helpful information.
Factors That Influence the Spread of Oral Cancer
Several key factors determine how rapidly oral cancer may advance:
The Type of Cancer
The word “cancer” describes a range of specific conditions. Most cases of oral cancer are squamous cell carcinomas, which originate from flat, thin cells called squamous cells. These cancers typically advance quickly, with approximately 3 to 7 percent of cases reaching secondary sites within one year. Other forms, such as verrucous carcinomas, tend to progress at a considerably slower pace.
Location of the Cancer
The site where cancer originates plays a significant role in how fast it spreads. For example, cancers that begin in the gums often advance more quickly than those that originate in the tongue.
Overall Health of the Patient
The general health status of an individual prior to a cancer diagnosis can impact the speed at which the cancer advances. Poor health, weakened immune function, unhealthy eating habits, and the presence of other medical conditions can all contribute to a more rapid spread of the disease.
Proactive Measures to Reduce Risk and Limit Spread
You cannot completely eliminate your risk of oral cancer, but there are things you can do to keep your risk to a minimum and help to slow the spread of the disease if you do end up developing it:
- Manage risk factors: Avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol intake, and addressing other major risk factors are crucial in lowering the likelihood of oral cancer.
- Maintain good health: Consuming a nutritious diet, following a consistent exercise routine, and prioritizing overall wellness helps to reduce the risk of many cancers.
- Monitor your oral health: You should know your body and be alert to any changes that might indicate cancer. For example, you should pay attention to unusual lumps, odd coloration, changes to your voice, and unexplained oral pain.
- Schedule regular screenings: Annual oral cancer screenings, often included in routine dental checkups, can help to detect the disease while it is still in its early stages.
- Act promptly on concerns: If you have reason to believe you have cancer, follow up immediately with additional testing and treatment as needed.
Oral cancer can spread quickly, and it can prove life-threatening! Be proactive about managing your risk level so you can reduce the chances that this disease will devastate your health.
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy/Cypress, our doctors have many years of combined experience in helping patients with oral cancer. Our team is equipped to assist you in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. If you are concerned it, we can guide you on your next steps. Contact our office at 832-353-1100.