Tobacco and alcohol use are among the strongest risk factors for oral cancer. Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth or throat. Oropharyngeal cancer refers to cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most oropharyngeal cancers.

SCREENING
Your dentist may be able to detect some oral precancers and cancers early. Visit your dentist every six months and ask for an oral cancer exam.

SYMPTOMS

• Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking.
• White or red patches on lips, gums, tongue or mouth lining
• A lump which can be felt inside the mouth or on the neck
• Hoarseness lasting a long time
• Numbness or pain in any area of the mouth that does not go away.
• Swelling of the jaw
• Loosening of teeth
• Changes in how dentures fit the mouth
• Bleeding in the mouth
• A sore on the lips or in the mouth that does not go away
• An earache that does not go away If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist or other health care provider right away.

TREATMENT OPTIONS
Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies may be used alone or in combination. Tobacco and alcohol use are among the strongest risk factors for oral cancer.

REDUCE YOUR RISK
Do not smoke or use tobacco in any way. If you do, quit. If you drink, limit your drinking to one drink a day if you are a woman or to one or two a
day if you are a man. Drinking alcohol is linked to oral and several other cancers. The more you drink, the greater your risk of cancer. Drinking even small amounts may increase your risk. Follow the guidelines for HPV vaccination. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid being in the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when sunlight is strongest. Always use lip balm with SPF 30 or higher with UVA and UVB protection. Visit your dentist every 6 months and ask for an oral cancer exam.