Oral Cancer Demographics and Risk Factors

Smoking Increase Risk 37-Fold 

In the US there are an estimated 36,450 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year, 25,420 in men and 11,120 in women.  Nearly 7,880 people die of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx each year.  The average age for diagnosis is 62 years and 1.02% of people born today will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime.

Approximately 90% of oral cancer is on the surface and called squamous cell carcinoma.  Traditional risk factors are tobacco and alcohol.  When someone smokes and drinks, their risk is increased 37-fold.  Higher risk sites include the tongue and floor of the mouth.  Cancer of gum tissues accounts for about 10% of all oral cancers.

Although the average age for diagnosis is 62 years, a rapidly growing number of younger patients without traditional risk factors are being diagnosed with HPV- related tumors of the tonsils and base of the tongue.

Source: AAOMS Surgical Update, Vol 24, 1

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Oral Cancer Survival Best with Surgery First--Study

ChemotherapyAdvisor continues to be a superb source of cancer-related news.  A study reported by JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, under the direction of Dr. Steven Chinn of the University of Michigan, retrospectively evaluated 19 patients who had surgically treated advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.  The study groups were divided according to chemoradiotherapy first and then surgery and surgery first and radiotherapy.  Statistical analysis showed a significantly greater five year survival rate for those patients who were treated with resection surgery first.

For details: www.chemotherapyadvisor.com


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Oral Cancer: Who, When, Where

In the US there are an estimated 36,450 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year, 25,420 in men and 11,120 in women.  Nearly 7,880 people die of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx each year.  The average age for diagnosis is 62 years and 1.02% of people born today will be diagnosed with it during their lifetime.  Approximately 90% of oral cancer is on the surface and called squamous cell carcinoma.  Traditional risk factors are tobacco and alcohol.  When someone smokes and drinks, their risk is increased 37-fold.  Higher risk sites include the tongue and floor of the mouth.  Cancer of gum tissues accounts for about 10% of all oral cancers.  Although the average age for diagnosis is 62 years, a rapidly growing number of younger patients without traditional risk factors are being diagnosed with HPV - related tumors of the tonsils and base of the tongue.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

How Did this Happen?

I just saw a new patient, referred by a dental clinic.  She's 41 years old, last having had a "deep cleaning" about five years ago, which was painful, so she didn't go back.  Her chief complaints were a couple of spaces, a couple of teeth with holes that "may" be cavities, but no pain....  After examining her, we sat down in front of her panoramic radiograph and looked at it together.  

This is what we saw: 

two upper right molars decayed, two upper left molars decayed, and two lower right molars decayed, some also infected and all six needing to be removed.  Four lower front teeth with bone loss so great they are loose and need to be removed.  Moderate to severe gum disease around her other teeth, which will require extensive periodontal therapy and then continued maintenance if she wishes to keep them.  How did this happen?  She said both her parents had dentures in their 30's, so maybe heredity played a part.  Maybe the pain medication she is on for chronic foot problems and failed surgeries contributed.  Maybe fear kept her away.  What can be done?  The bad teeth have to be removed, the good teeth brought back to a healthy state and the missing teeth replaced.  She wants to look good, be healthy and feel good about herself!  She's going to talk to her husband about what we saw and recommended.  She still has a chance to save many teeth for a long time.  We see so many people, who, after the fact, say they didn't know why all  their teeth were removed. We hope we have the opportunity to help this lady now to prevent that from happening to her.  She deserves it.  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Lupus Disease and the Oral Cavity

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood and kidneys. Approximately 95% of lupus patients suffer from some form of oral involvement. The oral complications are either directly related to the disease or come about as a side effect of medical treatment. 

Lupus patients may suffer from the following mouth symptoms:

• dry mouth
• cracked lips 
• bleeding gums
• sorejaws
• gingivitis (gum disease) 
• cracked or swollen tongue 
• lesions (ulcers) on any soft tissue surface including the cheeks, lichen planus and yeast infections. 

Denture wearers are more susceptible to soft tissue irritation and sore spots. Lupus patients should make sure their dentist has experience and knowledge of lupus and autoimmune diseases and takes a full medical history and updates the list of your medications regularly. 

Source: Lupus Guide to DentalCare by Heather Galusha-Phillips

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., 
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (map)