The highest risk factor is smoking. When smoking is combined with alcohol, the risk of oral cancer is greater. White males who are more than 65 years old account for the largest percentage of those affected. Middle-aged African Americans also are at great risk. More than 21,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and 6,000 deaths result from it.
Oral cancer can metastasize to distant tissue and vital organs and can be fatal.
For Manuel Rivera, a non-English speaking resident of Lincoln, the clinic was the perfect solution. Although Rivera was not considered at high risk for oral cancer, he had noticed a small lump developing on his tongue. Neb. The physician suggested Rivera have the lump examined and referred him to UNMC's free clinic. Fortunately, after a brief examination, Dr. Bhattacharyya determined that Rivera's lump was not cancerous. A simple examination can detect the early stages of oral cancer.