April is oral cancer awareness month, and a time when we focus heavily on making everyone aware of the significant risks associated with oral cancer. The National Cancer Institute projects that each year more than 50,000 people will receive a diagnosis of oral cancer with men being twice as susceptible as women. Of these, over 10,000 cases will result in fatalities. Oral cancer often originates in the flat cells that cover the top layer of tissue in the lips, tongue and mouth. There are several factors that can put you at a higher risk for oral cancer such as: tobacco product use, betel nut use, sun exposure, diet, human papilloma virus, heavy alcohol consumption, or personal history of oral cancer. To help mitigate these risks, you should have routine checkups with your dentist every six months. During these exams physicians can more easily find oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancers or pre-cancers in the mouth; but, more often than not, the discovery of these cancers may be attributed to symptoms that the patient is already experiencing. In any case, a dentist or doctor should examine problematic areas in the mouth routinely. If cancer is suspected, tests should be ordered, and oral cancer treatment should begin as soon as possible in the event of a positive diagnosis.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Mouth cancer (oral cancer) refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth. Mouth cancer can occur on the: lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth” It sits among a variety of other cancers which are grouped into the category of “head and neck cancers” and are all generally treated in a similar fashion by a licensed practitioner. There are many symptoms that can potentially be an indication of oral cancer. Some of these symptoms are not as obvious as others, so it is important that you practice good oral hygiene, vigilance and routine checkups with your oral care professional
As we mentioned before, oral cancer symptoms can take a few different forms, and some of them may not be as apparent as others. These are the most common symptoms of oral cancer: a sore throat that doesn’t heal and/or bleeds, loose teeth, poorly fitting dentures, tongue pain, jaw pain or stiffness, difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing, and growths or thickening of the skin or lining in your mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, (especially if they persist for 2 weeks or more), you should make an appointment with your dentist or doctor as soon as possible.
There are four main procedures used in the treatment of oral cancer today:
For more information about an oral cancer screening or to schedule an appointment with our office in Manhattan, NY call us on (212) 884-0420.
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