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2013 Sandy Dr. Ste 100
State College, PA 16803-2514

(814) 234-8527

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Oral Cancer

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers today and has one of the lowest survival rates, with thousands of new cases being reported each year. Fewer than half of all people diagnosed with oral cancer are ever cured.

Moreover, people with many forms of cancer can develop complications—some of them chronic and painful—from their cancer treatment.  These include dry mouth and overly sensitive teeth, as well as accelerated tooth decay.

If oral cancer is not treated in time, it could spread to other facial and neck tissues, leading to disfigurement and pain.

Older adults over the age of 40 (especially men) are most susceptible to developing oral cancer, but people of all ages are at risk.

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the tongue appears to be the most common location. Other oral structures could include the lips, gums and other soft palate tissues in the mouth.

Warning Signs

In general, early signs of oral cancer usually occur in the form of lumps, patchy areas and lesions, or breaks, in the tissues of the mouth. In many cases, these abnormalities are not painful in the early stages, making even self-diagnosis difficult.

Here are some additional warning signs:

  • Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing.
  • Unusual bleeding or persistent sores in the mouth that won't heal.
  • Lumps or growths in other nearby areas, such as the throat or neck.

If a tumor is found, surgery will generally be required to remove it. Some facial disfigurement could also result.

Prevention

Prevention is the key to staving off oral cancer. One of the biggest culprits is tobacco and alcohol use. Certain kinds of foods and even overexposure to the sun have also been linked to oral cancer. Some experts believe certain oral cancer risk factors are also hereditary.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the best defenses against oral cancer. Maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups, are highly recommended.


Patient Education

Patient Education Menu
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • General Dentistry
    • Fluoride
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    • Infection Control
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    • Age and Oral Health
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    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
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    • Fluoride Facts
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    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
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    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
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    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
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    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
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Dr. Schimmel provides general and cosmetic dentistry for adults, teens and children in State College, PA. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Our Location

2013 Sandy Dr.
Ste 100
State College, PA 16803-2514
(814) 234-8527

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Office Hours
Monday:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday:8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
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