It is fairly common knowledge that the sooner oral cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chances that the disease can be defeated and the patient can go on to live a long and healthy life. Yes, early detection is vital! Still, you might wonder how much time you might have if you develop a spot of cancer. Just how fast does oral cancer spread? This blog post provides important information.
What Factors Affect How Quickly Cancer Spreads?
There are at least three major factors that can influence how quickly oral cancer spreads:
The Type of Cancer:
The term “cancer” is very broad and can be used to describe a range of specific conditions. Most cancers that occur in the mouth are squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers start out as thin, flat cells known as squamous cells. This type of cancer tends to spread quickly, with approximately 3 to 7 percent of cases reaching a secondary location within just one year. However, other types of cancer may grow at different rates. For instance, verrucous carcinomas usually grow and spread at a much slower rate.
The Cancer’s Location:
The origin point of the cancer can significantly influence how quickly it spreads. For example, cancer that begins in the gums often spreads more rapidly than cancer that starts in the tongue. Consequently, the location within the mouth is a crucial factor in estimating the progression rate of the disease.
The Patient’s Overall Health:
If a cancer patient had poor overall health prior to their diagnosis, the cancer may spread more quickly than it would in an otherwise healthy person. Factors such as immune system strength, nutritional status, and the presence of other underlying health conditions can all influence the rate at which the cancer progresses.
Fighting Cancer Before It Spreads
Because survival rates are higher among cancer patients whose disease has not metastasized (spread throughout the body), it is imperative to be proactive about your health. Taking steps to prevent and detect cancer early in its development can make a significant difference. Here are some actions you can take to protect yourself:
- Manage your risk factors: Tobacco and excessive alcohol use are some of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer, so do your best to avoid such habits.
- Maintain your overall health: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of most types of cancers, including oral cancer.
- Monitor your oral health: Regularly check your mouth for unusual symptoms such as growths, discoloration, or persistent sores. Additionally, symptoms like a sore throat that does not go away, voice changes, loose teeth, and unexplained pain can be warning signs that should not be ignored.
- Get regular screenings: Adults should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year. This procedure is quick and easy, and it is usually included in a standard dental exam.
- Act quickly if you might have cancer: If your screening reveals that there is cause for concern, follow up promptly with the appropriate testing. If you do have cancer, it is crucial that you move forward with treatment ASAP.
Oral cancer can spread rapidly! Use the tips in this article to reduce the chances that this disease will ruin your health.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Sheng Ji and our team offer oral pathology and surgical services that help residents of Carmicheal and the surrounding communities to diagnose and fight oral cancer. If you believe you have cancer, or your dentist has expressed concerns that you may be at risk, we may be able to help you. Contact our office at 916-961-1902.