Newly Diagnosed with oral cancer?
start your cancer education here
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with oral cancer, it's important to gather as much information as possible to navigate your cancer journey effectively. At American Cancer Fund, our goal is to provide you with essential knowledge about oral cancer such as symptoms, risk factors, and the latest research advancements to help you become an active participant in your care.
What is Oral Cancer?
The word cancer refers to changes in the body’s cells that cause them to grow out of control. These cells can grow very fast and spread, eventually crowding out normal cells and damaging entire systems of the body. Cancer can affect any part of the mouth including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and hard or soft palate. When this happens it is referred to as Oral Cancer, or Cancer of the Mouth.
Prevention:
Most oral cancers could be prevented if people did not use tobacco or drink heavily. Quitting tobacco and limiting alcohol use sharply reduces any risk of developing oral cancer, even after years of use. Many oral cancers may be found early by a combination of routine screening exams by a doctor or dentist or by self-examination.
About the Author:
The content on this page was writen by Richard M. Nadler DMD, FAGD. Richard established his private practice in Hillsborough, NJ in 1984, after graduating with honors from UMDNJ in 1983. He has continued his training in neuromuscular dentistry, sleep medicine, cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry.
Dr. Nadler and his team at Designs for Dental Health are dedicated to helping their patients Eat Well, Feel Great and Smile Beautifully. Dr. Nadler screens all patients visiting his office for oral cancer. If you have questions you can visit his practice online at: http://www.designsfordentalhealth.com/
Feel prepared for every appointment
Carrying the right information can empower you during your cancer care journey. Use these tools to help organize this information so you can be an active participant in your cancer care.
Keep them handy for use at home and bring them along to your doctor visits and other medical appointments.