Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a silent killer that most people are aware of until it is too late. It appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that will not go away. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lip, tongue, cheeks, top and floor of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. Without early detection and treatment, it can be life-threatening. It is important to know and recognize the early signs of oral cancer symptoms. According to the AAOMS, early detection is life-saving at the earliest stage to lessen the severity with treatments to prevent adverse long-term effects.

What you should watch out for: (Early stages symptoms)

• Sore in the mouth that will not heal
• Persistent red or white patches inside the mouth
• Unusual oral bleeding
• Teeth shifts out of position without cause

What you need to take immediate action: (Late oral cancer symptoms)

• A hardened area of once soft tissue
• Numbness in mouth
• Tingling or pain in tongue or lips
• Difficulty in breathing blocked airway
• Chronic earache
• Pain or difficulty in chewing or talking
• A restricted sensation when attempted to open the mouth

Since it can be hard to tell and detect, many people disregard the early signs until it becomes too late. Dentists are the first in the line of defense when it comes to detection. Many dentists include or offer oral cancer screening as a routine part of the patient examination. You should request an exam if you have not been to the dentist in a while. You should always be aware, take action, and remain vigilant to stop oral cancer before it even begins.