ORAL cancer is the 8th leading type of cancer in the Philippines.
According to World Health Organization data published in 2018, oral cancer deaths make up 0.51 percent of the total deaths in the country.
Among Filipino males, the oral cavity is the 10h leading site of oral cancer. Among Filipino women, the oral cavity is the 8th leading site.
Oral cancer is detectable the early stage. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 70 percent to 95 percent. At the late stage, it’s 20 percent to 40 percent.
Among the more common cases of oral cancer are mouth cancer, tongue cancer, gum cancer and lip cancer.
Lip cancer, for example, develops from abnormal cells that grow out of control and form lesions or tumors on the lips. In lip cancer, thin, flat cells line the lips, mouth, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, throat, hard and soft palates.
If it is not diagnosed and treated early, lip cancer may develop into a tumor of the head and neck.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made oral cancer treatment more challenging and even inaccessible for the poor. Treatment includes performing a biopsy and imaging tests, followed by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy – already expensive options.
There are three major high-risks behaviors: smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol. Lip cancer prevention means stopping tobacco use and heavy alcohol drinking.
Early detection is key to preventing death and serious consequences from oral cancer.
Seeing the dentist regularly is also a good way to prevent oral cancer. This is because the dentist works close to the oral cavity and can detect symptoms of oral cancer.
The signs and symptoms or oral cancer include any sores that does not heal in two weeks. A red, white, or black discoloration of the oral soft tissues.
Abnormal bleeding. A lump or hard spot in the tissue, at the edge of the tongue.
A sore under a denture that does not heal. A lump in the mouth. A painless lump on the outside of the neck.
A feeling that something is stuck in the throat when swallowing. Difficulty in swallowing.
A pain on one side only of the ear. Numbness in the mouth or lips. Hoarseness or sore throat that last for weeks.
It is important to detect these symptoms at an early stage.
Remember that in America, oral cancer kills more than 9,750 people every year. That’s about one person every hour.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515./PN
