Oral Cancer

Dr shabeel pn
 What Is Cancer?
 Diseases containing abnormal cells that divide
and spread uncontrollably
 Abnormal cells combine to form a growth or
tumor that can be benign or malignant.
 Benign Vs. Malignant
 Does not spread  Spreads to other parts of
 Rarely life threatening the body
 Can be removed  Life threatening
 Can be removed, but it
may grow back
 Definition of Oral Cancer
 Oral cancer: a disease that is found in the tissues
of the lip or mouth; cancer of lip and oral cavity
 Associated with a group of cancers referred to as
head and neck cancers
 Begin in the tongue and in the floor of the
mouth, but they can spread to parts of the neck,
lungs, and other body parts
 Signs and Symptoms
 Sores that do not heal
within 14 days
 Bleeding in mouth
 Lump in neck
 Earache
 Loose teeth
 Dentures will not fit well
 Pain or numbness in
mouth
 Difficulty chewing or
swallowing
 Bad breath
 Patches on the lip or in
the mouth that are red,
white, or a mixture of
both
 Causes of Oral Cancer
 Tobacco Use
 Alcohol Use
 Sun Exposure
 Chronic Irritation
 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
 Diagnosis
 Dentists may detect symptoms of oral cancer by
observing the roof and floor of the mouth, back
of throat, inside cheeks, lips, and the neck area.
 A biopsy can determine if the abnormal area is
actually cancer.
 The pathologist observes the cells under a
microscope to check for cancer cells.
 Statistics on Oral Cancer
 Accounts for 2% of all cancers
 40 years of age and older are at a higher risk
 Over 35,000 people will be diagnosed
 Over 7,600 will die from the disease
 Mortality Rate Is Higher Than Other Cancers
Survival Rate by Stage of Diagnosis
Populations At Risk
 Treatment
 Surgery
 Some include:
 Primary tumor resection
 Mandible resection

 Neck resection

 Radiation therapy
 Chemotherapy
 Side Effects of Treatment
 Swelling  Fatigue
 Sore mouth  Lowered immune system
 Difficulty chewing,  Nausea
swallowing, or talking  Vomiting
 Changes to appearance  Mouth sores
 Weight loss  Lost of appetite
 Inability to wear dentures
for a period of time
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/slide_show.htm
 Linkage to Oral Cancer
 Persistent gum disease can lead to oral cancer
and other potential life threatening conditions
like:
 Heart Disease
 Stroke

 Diabetes

 Chronic Kidney Disease (CDK)

 Preterm Birth

 Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

 Health Disparities
 Health Disparities are differences in health
conditions or outcomes among specific
population groups in the United States.
 Some include:
 Environmental factors – rural and urban poor
 Economical factors – working poor

 Cultural factor – language barrier

 Accessibility to care

 Quality of care
 Prevention
 Ways To Educate People
 Advertising & Visuals
 Developing Culturally Appropriate Messages

 Educate in local schools, colleges, health clinics,

churches, and community centers
 Why It Is Important
 Early Detection
 Decrease Mortality Rate
 References
 Health Disparities. National Association of Chronic Disease Directors.
http://www.chronicdisease.org/i14a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3447. June 4, 2008.
 Treatment for Oral Cancer. 2009. The Ohio State University Medical Center. June 3, 2008.
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mens_health/oral_cancer/Pages/i
ndex.aspx
 Side Effects of Oral Cancer. 2009. The Ohio State University Medical Center. June 3, 2008.
http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/mens_health/oral_cancer/Pages/i
ndex.aspx
 Gum Disease. May 2009. What is Gum Disease? June 4, 2009.
http://dentistry.about.com/od/issuesandemergencies/a/importantbrush.htm.
 The Oral Cancer Foundation (2009, June 4). Oral Cancer Facts. Retrieved June 4, 2009,
from <http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/index.htm>.
 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (2005-2008). Early Detection
and Treatment Provide A Better Chance For Cure. Retrieved June 4, 2009,
from <http://www.aaoms.org/oral_cancer.php>.
 National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (2008, October). Oral Cancer Statistics.
retrieved June 3, 2009, from <http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/T opics/Oral
cancer/OralCancerStatistics.htm>.
 Oral Cancer Picture (June 4, 2009). <http://www.tobaccofacts.info/images/20050817-oral-