What is the Survival Rate of Oral Cancer?

Every year, there’s an increase in the number of patients diagnosed with oral cancer. This is mainly because of the lack of information people have about oral hygiene. 

Most people in India do not even care about oral hygiene; unhealthy habits like drinking too much alcohol, tobacco, and smoking are the causes of oral cancer. 

Oral cancer occurs in 1 to 8 cases in men and 5 to 14 in women. Well, the situation can be controlled only if it is detected early and the patient receives the proper oral cancer treatment. 

That’s why it’s vital to know how to spot the early signs of oral cancer. The best way to lower the risk of developing this cancer is to practice good oral care in your daily routine. 

Oral cancer is most commonly diagnosed in the mouth and tongue. However, it can be detected in the throat as well. If you smoke or drink, you’re at a higher risk. As with any cancer, the sooner it’s detected and treated, the better the survival rate is.

Survival Rate

Having a clear idea about the survival rate helps patients get a clear picture of their oral cancer treatment. It also works as a confidence booster among the patients. 

While the survival rate of oral cancer is relatively high, it does tend to spread to other parts of the body if left undetected or untreated. However, the treatment rarely has side effects.

Also Read: WHERE DOES ORAL CANCER SPREAD TO AND WHAT ARE ITS STAGES?

What is the 5-year survival rate?

The 5-year survival rate tells how long a patient will survive after cancer is detected. 

Types of Oral Cancers with Their 5-Year Survival Rate

• Lymphoma – The 5-year survival rate of lymphoma, the cancer of the lymphatic system, is 90%. These patients can be treated with a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both after tumour removal. For people with low-grade lymphoma, treatment may not be necessary. Additionally, the survival rate may be affected by whether cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Salivary Gland – This type of cancer can affect the cheeks, neck, jaw, or swelling in the neck. It does not spread to other parts of the body and can be treated with proper treatment if detected early. It has a 95% survival rate among both men and women. 
• Sarcomas – Sarcomas are malignant tumours that can affect even the other body parts. Comparatively, the survival rate for sarcomas is low – only about 50% for children, 60% for younger adults, and 40% for elderly adults. While this type of oral cancer is rare, it is riskier than other types.  
• Mucosal Melanoma – This type of cancer appears on the tongue, the roof of the mouth, or the cheek lining. The survival rate is 70%, which can be cured with early treatment.  
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma – This type of oral cancer has the highest survival rate of 99% and is usually found on the face, neck, and skin exposed to harsh sun rays. 

How to Take Care of Oral Hygiene?

Here are a few tips to take care of your oral hygiene:

• Brush your teeth every morning and night.
• Floss regularly once a day.
• Use a mouthwash after lunch or dinner. 
• Keep yourself hydrated. 
• Gargle after every meal. 

Things to Avoid:- 

• Alcohol 
• Tobacco 
• Cigarettes 
• Tooth decays & Infections

Also Read: MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT ORAL CANCER

While it is essential to take care of your health and know the warning signs of oral cancer, it is also important to remember that there is a high survival rate for those who do get oral cancer. 

By consulting your doctor regularly, you can make sure that your mouth is healthy, and if there are any symptoms, the problem can be identified quickly.

Consulting a dentist and visiting the best cancer hospitals for regular check-ups is also important. You can have a better idea of the state of your mouth, and you can treat any issues you may have before they get too severe. 

You can have a high survival rate and not just live but live well with a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Make sure that you don’t take any warning signs lightly. Seek medical attention when you need it.