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Oral Cancer Is Easy To Detect
"We want people to realize that oral cancer is out there, that it's a big problem, and that if they have a suspicious condition in the mouth, they should see a dentist.”
— Clayton Mickel, American Dental Association
If you've got something in your mouth that's pearly white and not a tooth—or that's red and not something you were born with—it might be a pre-cancerous condition.
Now, a simple, painless procedure can detect pre-cancerous conditions in the mouth. And, early treatment (if needed) can stop oral cancer before it really begins. Swift action might, in fact, save your life! Note: Your first visit to Dr. Rickerby’s office includes an oral cancer exam.
It is important to avoid delay in seeing a dentist when a sore or unusual area in the mouth doesn't heal within a couple of weeks. The ADA and ACS agree that passing time without treatment can lower your chances of surviving any type of cancer.
To watch video, click here.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Equally important is to know what behaviors increase your chances of developing the disease — and to quit those practices as soon possible if not right away.
By far the greatest cause of oral cancer is the use of tobacco and alcohol.
• About 90% of people with oral cavity cancer smoke or chew tobacco.
• About 75% to 80% of all patients with oral cancer often consume alcohol.
• People who smoke and also drink alcohol have a much higher risk of cancer than those using only alcohol or tobacco alone.
• Chewing tobacco is linked to cancers of the cheek, gums, and inner surface of the lips and increases the risk of these cancers by about 50 times.
If you're using tobacco, quitting now reduces your chances of getting oral cancer and several other kinds of cancer.
Signs of oral cancer
Signs and symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:
• any sign of irritation, like tenderness, burning or a sore that will not heal;
• pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips;
• development of a lump, or a leathery, wrinkled or bumpy patch inside your mouth; color changes to your oral soft tissues (gray, red or white spots or patches), rather than a healthy pink color;
• difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
• any change in the way your teeth fit together
Many pre-cancers and cancers of the oral cavity can be found early, during routine screening exams by a dentist, doctor, dental hygienist, or by self-exam. See your dentist or physician if you notice any of these changes.
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