Be Aware Of And Prevent Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, and is any cancer located inside your mouth. A dentist can identify oral cancer and recommend action. Most oral cancers start on the floor of the mouth, beneath the tongue, or on the actual tongue. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because it can often very quickly spread to the lymph nodes located in your neck.

Symptoms Of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer often begins as what seems like a small, irritated-looking bump or blister. Because these are normal and most people have harmful mouth blisters at some point in their life, it can often go undiagnosed for a period of time. Keep an eye out for the following oral cancer symptoms:

• Small mouth lesion does not go away for two weeks.

• Unlike other small blisters, cancerous lumps often don’t hurt.

• White patches inside your mouth.

• Difficulty swallowing.

• Sometimes people suffering from oral cancer experience an earache.

A lot of these symptoms can occur with other oral complications like an infection. Accordingly it’s important to be diagnosed by a professional as soon as possible.

What Puts Someone At Risk For Oral Cancer

More than 70% of all cases of oral cancer are caused by a personal habit, like chewing/smoking tobacco or excessive drinking of alcohol. Partaking in these habits greatly increases a person’s chances of developing oral cancer at some point in their life. Other people at risk for oral cancer are:

• People who have had a previous history of head and neck cancers.

• Overexposure to sun.

The next time you see your dentist ask to be screened for oral cancer. Call Dr. Arzegar of the Lifetime Smiles today and rule out any possibility of oral cancer!