In 2011, more than 13,000 people in the US have been
diagnosed with oral cancer. This is a rough estimate from the American Cancer
Society.
Oral Cancer begins in the gums, tongue, the floor of the
mouth, and lips. Note however that there are many types of oral cancer, knowing
which one you are diagnosed with will help greatly in your oral cancer
treatment and action plan.
![]() |
Photo from google |
Below are the types of oral cancer:
Squamous cell
carcinoma. More than 90% of
oral cancer conditions begin in the oral cavity and oropharynx; these often
develop to squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of
skin cancer that progresses in the outer layer of the skin. There are tissues on your mouth and throat
that are lined with abnormal cells in a scale like way.
Verrucous
carcinoma. Another form of
squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma is where the cancer cells form an
oral cavity tumor. The good thing with verrucous carcinoma is that it seldom
spreads to other parts of your body, however it attacks the tissue where it all
began making the tumor bigger.
Minor salivary
gland carcinomas. There are three common types of major salivary
glands on each side of your face. The
parotid gland, found in front of your ears, is where about 7 out of 10 tumors
begin. The submandibular gland, found below the jaw, gives smaller tumors. The
most frequent type of minor salivary gland cancer originates in the sublingual
gland, which is found under the floor of your mouth. Often there are salivary
glands that are too minute to the bare eye that is why a lab test maybe needed.
Lymphomas. This type of oral cancer grows within the
lymph tissue. The cancer cells distresses white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Be wary, as this type of cancer affects your immune system; as the lymphatic
system is part of our immune system.
Leukoplakia and
erythroplakia. These are
non-cancerous conditions where in abnormal cells may be found in your mouth or
throat. These are often a warning sign of cancer and can turn serious. These
conditions develop into a different type of cancer. Best to have a biopsy or
tests to establish if the cells are indeed cancerous. Twenty five
percent of leukoplakia are precancerous while 70% of erythroplakia have been
deemed as cancerous.
Benign oral cavity
and oropharyngeal tumors. A
benign tumor is non-cancerous as it is unable to attack neighbouring cells and
tissues. With a surgery the tumor may be removed, however, there may be benigh lesions.
Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155 or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com
Can’t thank Dr Lontoc enough. I’ve been coming to Dr Lontoc’s office for several occasions, and have always felt rejuvenated and relived - from scheduled cleanings to dental emergencies Dr Lontoc has always been there for me. Dr Lontoc’s care and compassion far exceeds any other physician’s. Recently, my mom - who’s visiting from overseas had a dental emergency. Dr Lontoc accommodated us the very next morning and took care of it. Even though my mom isn’t her established patient.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr Lontoc for making my day, once again.
Gurgeet