Oral cancer can affect people of all genders and ages. It appears as a sore that does not disappear. Oral cancer includes cancer that develops in any part of your mouth. It may be in the lips, tongue, throat, sinuses, and cheeks. However, differentiating oral cancer and other oral issues, such as infection or toothache, can be challenging. Thus, how can you tell if you have oral cancer?
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer starts as a sore that bleeds easily. It also doesn't go away even with medication such as antibiotics. You can also experience a lump or roughened area in the cheeks, lips, or gums. Numbness or pain in your neck or face is another sign of oral cancer. This can result in discomfort, which can affect your chewing, swallowing, speaking, and moving your jaws.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a dentist as early as possible. It can be easier to treat oral cancer in its early stages since many treatment options are available. But which is the right way to spot oral cancer at its early stage? With regular dental visits, the dentist can notice suspicious changes, thus, you'll get an early diagnosis.
Who Is More Likely To Get Oral Cancer?
Anyone can get oral cancer. The primary cause of oral cancer is poor oral hygiene and gum diseases. However, some other factors can increase the risk of getting oral cancer. For instance, people who drink or smoke are at higher risk of getting oral cancer than non-smokers. Alcohol can damage your cells. When the cells try to repair or heal, DNA changes may occur, resulting in oral cancer.
Another risk factor for the development of oral cancer is excessive sunlight exposure. This happens when ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin, damaging the cells. Over time, the damage causes DNA changes in the skin cells, leading to lip cancer. Contact us immediately if you notice changes in your mouth or detect any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Dentist DC • Neil Starr, DDS, PC • Dental Blog Dr. Starr is offering this educational blog as a resource to our patients. Our hope is hope that our blog will cover subjects that you may be interested in. Neil L. Starr, DDS, PC, 1234 19th St NW #306, Washington, DC 20036 • (202) 293-7177 • starrteeth.com • 6/10/2023 • Related Phrases: dental implants DC •
Oral cancer can affect people of all genders and ages. It appears as a sore that does not disappear. Oral cancer includes cancer that develops in any part of your mouth. It may be in the lips, tongue, throat, sinuses, and cheeks. However, differentiating oral cancer and other oral issues, such as infection or toothache, can be challenging. Thus, how can you tell if you have oral cancer?
