Oral Cancer, What's That?

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that 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
• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice
• Ear pain
• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
• Dramatic weight loss

If you notice any of these changes and they don't go away within 2 weeks,  contact your general dentist in Evansville, IN immediately.

Who Is At Risk for Oral Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. It's estimated that over 40,000 people in the U.S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2014.

Risk factors include:

•  Smoking. Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers.
• Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
• Family history of cancer.
• Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV). Certain HPV strains are etiologic risk factors for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)

It is important to note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally.

How Can My Dentist Help Detect Oral Cancer Early?

During your regular exam, your general dentist in Evansville, IN will ask you about changes in your medical history and whether you’ve been having any new or unusual symptoms.

Then, your dentist will check your oral cavity. The dentist will then feel your jaw and neck for any lumps or abnormalities. A biopsy may be needed to determine the makeup of a suspicious looking area.

What Can I Do to Prevent Oral Cancer?

To prevent oral cancer:

• Don't smoke or use any tobacco products and drink alcohol in moderation (and refrain from binge drinking).
• Eat a well balanced diet.
• Limit your exposure to the sun. Repeated exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lip, especially the lower lip. When in the sun, use UV-A/B-blocking sun protective lotions on your skin, as well as your lips.
• Call your dentist's office immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above.
• See your dentist on a regular schedule.

Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment.  To have your oral cancer screening done, see the best general dentist in Evansville, IN- Dr Jenkins- today!