More than 54,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and of that group, about 68% of them will survive over the next five years. If you find out that you have oral cancer, your chances of survival will depend on how advanced it already is as well as whether you have it treated appropriately as soon as possible. Below is a closer look at the different stages of oral cancer as well as how the disease can be identified.
What are the Stages of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer has five basic stages starting from zero:
- Stage 0: This stage is also known as carcinoma in situ, and some physicians refer to it as pre-cancer. At this point, there are abnormal cells in the lining of your lips or your oral cavity that could eventually become cancer.
- Stage I: A two-centimeter or smaller tumor has formed, but the problem hasn’t reached the lymph nodes yet.
- Stage II: Oral cancer has reached stage II if you have a tumor that’s anywhere between two and four centimeters.
- Stage III: Reaching this stage means either the tumor is larger than four centimeters or the cancer has managed to spread to a lymph node.
- Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of oral cancer. By now, the problem has spread to nearby tissues, the lymph nodes, or even other parts of the body.
The prognosis for oral cancer can vary dramatically depending on the stage it’s diagnosed in. The five-year survival rate can be as high as 83% for cancer that’s still localized and as low as 38% for cancer that has reached other body parts.
How Can Oral Cancer Be Identified?
You can keep an eye out for potential signs of oral cancer. This can include unusual growths or discolored patches in the mouth, oral sores that don’t go away, and/or a lump in your neck.
Additionally, if you visit your periodontist or your general dentist, they can perform an oral cancer screening. This involves taking a close look at your mouth and checking for signs of oral cancer that you might not have noticed. If any concerning symptoms are found, you’ll be referred to a specialist who can perform a biopsy.
It’s best to have oral cancer diagnosed and treated in its earliest stages whenever possible. As soon as you have any reason to believe you might have this disease, reach out to your doctor to find out what steps you should take next.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, and he is a faculty study club member and study club leader for Spear Education. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, he offers a wide range of services, including oral cancer screenings. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
