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GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS
410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150 Glendora, CA 91740(626) 963-9112
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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.


Learn More

  • Implants
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Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • General Dentistry
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • Periodontal Exams
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
    • Crowns
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
    • Dentures
    • Jaw/TMJ
    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
      • Invisalign®
      • Crowns and Bridges
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
  • Links

Our Location

410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 963-9112

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday:by appointment only
Sunday:Closed

Patient Testimonials

 
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The is absolutely gentle and pleasant

- James E 10/6/2016

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Every person on the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, especially Dr. Francisco.

- John V 9/15/2016

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Communication was strong.

- Michael H 9/4/2016

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Most accommodating doctor and excellent staff. Amazing doctor. The best corrective...More

- Brettina V 8/6/2016

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Dr. Francisco operates a pain-free practice. In addition, she is warm and personable....More

- Marti G 7/30/2016

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Great experience. Very personable. Very professional. Very caring. :)

- Noel B 7/19/2016

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Dr. Francisco and her staff are very warm and friendly. The office is very clean, and...More

- Anonymous 6/5/2016

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Great cleaning wonderful hygenist,Dr Francisco was so thorough. Explained everything...More

- Brettina V 5/22/2016

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Hands down, superior service. Dr. Melissa is very knowledgeable yet tells you like she's...More

- Sean M 4/14/2016

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My son has some anxiety issues, and Dr. Francisco and her staff were wonderful with him....More

- Benjamin B 3/15/2016

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You want my feedback...? She's the best, sincerely cares about what's going on in your...More

- Thomas C 2/7/2016

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Dr. Francisco is awesome! !!

- Arturo O 1/13/2016

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Great services, professional in every aspect.

- Paul B 12/29/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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From my first contact via email to my first office visit, and following visits, every...More

- Pamela C 12/12/2015

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After not going to the dentist for so long I was really afraid to go and see what's...More

- Sandy G 11/7/2015

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My name is spelled Marti, not Marty, but that's the only thing Dr. Francisco's office...More

- Marti G 10/17/2015

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Dr. Francisco was the best dentist I have ever seen! I really appreciated her caring...More

- Elaine H 10/13/2015

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Dr. Francisco is a patient and gentle doctor. She was amazingly calm.

- Annabelle B 10/8/2015

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Very impressed with knowledgeable staff and Dr. Very gentle and detailed.

- Tammy O 9/15/2015

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Dr. Francisco is the best dentist I've ever had and I've had a few. She is very caring...More

- Rachielle L 7/15/2015

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While looking for a local Dentist in the Glendora area, I was fortunate enough to locate...More

- Diego T 7/15/2015

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I left a female dentist who I loved so when I moved to Glendora, I was determined to...More

- Marti G 7/15/2015

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No complaints at all - Excellent Dentist and staff. I'm not new to dental work so you...More

- Anonymous 6/29/2015

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Dentist - Glendora, GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS, 410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150, Glendora, CA 91740 (310) 567-7407

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