It is important to make regular trips to the dentist to have oral cancer screenings. Early detection is key. At your dental exams, the oral tissues are examined for signs of cancer. If there are areas of concern, we will usually refer you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation. It is important for you to also check your mouth regularly for signs and symptoms.
Smoking (cigarettes, pipes or cigars), especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption (30 drinks or more per week) is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. It is estimated that this combination is the most likely trigger in about 75% of oral cancers diagnosed in the United States. ‡ It does not take long to get hooked. The misconception some people have is that inhaling nicotine is the only route to exposure. They are misled by the term "smokeless tobacco," assuming that it's safer than smoking. In fact, tobacco users experience a significant amount of nicotine and other chemicals. Holding an average-sized dip in your mouth for 30 minutes gives a person as much nicotine as smoking three cigarettes. One can delivers as much tobacco as 60 cigarettes (three packs).
Mouth cancers are among the toughest cancers to treat. Early detection is very helpful. About 28,000 new diagnoses of oral cancer occur each year in this country. The disease kills more than 7,000 Americans annually. ‡ |
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Dr. Douglas P. Allison ~ Dr. Scott E. Zak ~ 1415 N. 8th Street ~ Manitowoc, WI 54220 ~ Phone: 920.684.9685 ~ Fax: 920.684.4895
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