Cancer of the mouth is fairly rare, however, if
not caught early enough, the results can be devastating. Regular
dental checkups and routine physical exams can help in the early
detection of oral cancer. Early detection of the disease is critical
in order for treatment to be most effective. If the disease is caught
early, survival rates are much higher.
Knowing who is at risk and what to look for are the first steps
in early detection of oral cancer. To increase the chances of discovering
the condition in the early stages, it is important to educate yourself
and learn how to examine yourself for signs of oral cancer.
You are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer if you:
- use tobacco products
- drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- if you combine the alcohol and tobacco your risk factor is increased
tremendously
- expose yourself to sunlight on a regular basis
- are prone to lip biting and cheek chewing
- have ill-fitting dentures
Early warning signs of oral cancer:
- any sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal within
two weeks
- swellings, lumps or bumps on the lips, gums or other areas inside
the mouth
- white, red or dark patches in the mouth
- repeated bleeding in the mouth
- numbness or pain in any area of the face, mouth or neck
- swelling of the jaw
- difficulty in chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue
- hoarseness
- feeling that something is caught in the throat
- pain in the ear
- discomfort while eating, drinking or swallowing
- a swollen lymph node in the neck
- persistent bad breath
Lower your risk
- Do not use tobacco products--cigarettes, chew or snuff, pipes
or cigars
- If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (research suggests
this might lower the risk of oral cancer)
- Have a head and neck exam performed as a routine part of your
dental visit
Stay proactive regarding this deadly disease.
Perform a monthly self-examination by looking in the mirror to check
for some of the changes or symptoms listed above.
Call us at (410) 574-9400 or (410) 667-4222
to set up an appointment.
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