Oral Cancer

While the rates of oral cancer have dropped in the past 20 years, health agencies still anticipate that it will be diagnosed in more than 30,000 Americans this year.

 

Knowing the risk factors as well as the signs of oral cancer can go a long way toward limiting the influence this disease can have on your life.

 

Know what to look for

 

As with many forms of cancer, early detection of oral cancerous lesions can improve the chances of successful treatment. You can take an active role in detecting signs of oral cancer early by checking your oral tissues periodically. Take a few minutes to examine your lips, gums, cheek lining and tongue, as well as the floor and roof of your mouth.

 

You'll want to make note of the following:

 

• A color change in the oral tissues (whitish or red spots, for example).
• A lump, thickening, rough or crusted spots, or small eroded areas.
• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal.
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Changes in the voice.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together.

 

In addition, watch for changes beyond the mouth that could signify oral cancer:

 

• Drastic weight loss.
• Lump or mass in your neck.

 

If any of these conditions persists, contact your dentist for an examination.

 

Minimize the risk

 

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by avoiding behaviors that researchers have identified as being strongly associated with the development of oral cancer.

 

The use of any kind of tobacco products (cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars or smokeless tobacco), particularly combined with heavy alcohol consumption, has been identified as the major risk factor for oral cancers in the United States.

 

The importance of professional dental care

 

Regular visits to your dentist are important in protecting yourself from the effects of oral cancer. As part of your regular dental examination, your dentist can quickly and easily check the oral tissues for signs of cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions.

 

Detecting and treating cancerous tissues as early as possible is critical in helping you beat a potentially deadly disease.