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.