Oral Cancer - What You Need to Know

Posted on 12/16/2024 by San Tan Oral Surgery

Patient looking in mirror at San Tan Oral Surgery in Gilbert, AZ

Oral cancer is a serious disease that can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and tonsils. It can also spread to other parts of the head and neck. While it’s not as common as other types of cancer, it’s important to be aware of the risks and symptoms so you can get diagnosed and treated early.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some people are at higher risk than others. These include:

•	People who use tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco
•	People who drink alcohol heavily
•	People with a history of sun exposure to the lips
•	People with HPV infection
•	People with a weakened immune system
•	Men over the age of 40

What are the symptoms?

Oral cancer can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

•	A sore in the mouth that doesn't heal
•	A white or red patch in the mouth
•	A lump in the mouth or neck
•	Difficulty swallowing
•	Ear pain
•	Numbness of the tongue or lip
•	Loose teeth

How is oral cancer diagnosed?

If you have any of the symptoms of oral cancer, it's important to see a doctor or dentist right away. They will examine your mouth and neck and may order tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.

How is oral cancer treated?

The treatment for oral cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

What is the prognosis for oral cancer?

The prognosis for oral cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the treatment received, and your overall health. With early diagnosis and treatment, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is about 60%.

How can I prevent oral cancer?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, including:

•	Quitting tobacco use
•	Limiting alcohol consumption
•	Protecting your lips from the sun
•	Getting vaccinated against HPV
•	Maintaining good oral hygiene
•	Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups

Conclusion

Oral cancer is a serious disease, but it can be treated successfully if it's diagnosed early. If you're concerned about your risk of oral cancer, talk to your doctor or dentist. They can help you understand your risks and make recommendations for reducing your risk and improving your oral health.

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

Mid-age woman smiling and crossing her arms.

Office hours

Mon - Thur: 8am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8am to 2:00pm

Location

3303 S. Lindsay Rd.
Suite 112
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Contact

Office: (480) 604-2592

Connect

Santanxray@gmail.com

About Us | Dental Implants Gilbert, AZ | San Tan Oral Surgery
If you have recently been told you need oral surgery, you have come to the right place. Call San Tan Oral Surgery to schedule your initial consultation today!
San Tan Oral Surgery, 3303 S. Lindsay Rd. Suite 112, Gilbert, AZ 85297-2100; (480) 604-2592; santanoralsurgery.com; 12/4/2025; Related Terms: Dental Implants Gilbert AZ;