Once considered as an old man smoker’s disease, oral cancer is rapidly changing its face. In recent times, cancer of the oral cavity is seen in a much younger population of males and females who may or may not have a history of tobacco and alcohol consumption or other earlier known risk factors. Human Papilloma Virus that causes cervical cancer is known to be responsible for oral cancer as well.
Almost 41,000 Americans are diagnosed annually for oral and throat cancers. It is alarming that the 5 year survival rate of oral cancer is only close to 64 %.
Early detection and treatment is the key to long term survival without undergoing significant surgery and resulting facial deformities.
During your initial dental visit at Lotus Dental Care, we do a visual examination of your oral tissues including, but not limited to the teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, tonsils, palate, followed by palpation of the head and neck regions to check for early signs and symptoms of oral cancer.
The symptoms of oral cancer could be as follows-
- A sore or an ulcer that refuses to heal. If it persists for more than 2 weeks, it needs attention.
- Recurring ulcers or sore spots.
- White discoloration of the tissues in the mouth.
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, or a crust.
- Pain, tenderness or numbness of the lips, teeth or gums.
- A change in the way your teeth fit when you close your mouth.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research, the first thing you should do while being treated for oral cancer is visit a dentist. Make sure to check your mouth for any sore spots or lesions developing during radiation or chemotherapy.
For more information on this topic, visit this website - http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer.
