Franck Dental Blog

What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Cancer?

Mar 25, 2022

No one really wants to talk about cancer but it is important to know that oral cancer does exist. According to Webmd, about 50,000 people in the U.S. get oral cancer each year, 70% of them are men.

Oral cancer includes cancers of:

Lips

Sinuses

Cheeks

Pharynx (throat)

Tongue

Floor of the Mouth

Hard and Soft Palate

The good news is that if you are having regular dental visits your dentist will be inspecting your mouth and looking for anything out of the ordinary. In the meantime, here are some of the most common symptoms to be aware of (also from webmd):

Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

Swelling/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, cheek, or other areas of the mouth

White or red patches in the mouth

Unexplained numbness in areas of the face, mouth or neck

Sores on the face, neck or mouth that won’t go away and bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks

A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat

Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Chronic sore throat or change in voice

Ear pain

Swelling or pain in your jaw

Dramatic weight loss

For denture wearers: your dentures might be uncomfortable, hard to put in and change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is important to realize that it might not necessarily be a sign of oral cancer. The best thing you can do is see your dentist and or doctor as soon as possible to determine what is causing your issue(s). Early detection is key to a positive outcome.

The information on this Blog is provided for general information, is not intended to provide medical, dental or surgical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. No dentist/patient relationship is established by your use of this Site. No diagnosis or treatment is being provided. The information contained here should be used in consultation with a dentist of your choice. No guarantees or warranties are made regarding any of the information contained within this Blog.

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C. Christian Franck, DDS

721 East Baltimore Pike Suite 301
Kennett Square, PA 19348