According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day—that’s more than 9,500 deaths each year. And despite a reduction in the numbers of people who smoke or chew tobacco, those statistics have not changed over the last 30 years. In addition, a link between oral cancer and HPV has broadened the population diagnosed with this disease.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The early signs and symptoms of oral cancer are:
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A sore anywhere in your mouth or on your lips that has not healed for more than two weeks
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A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
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A lump or thicker area of soft tissue or cheeks
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A sore throat or hoarse voice that will not go away
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A numb feeling in your mouth or on your tongue
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Ill-fitting dentures
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Swelling of the jaw
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Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
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Difficulty swallowing or chewing
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An earache, but no infection
If you see anything that looks or feels suspicious, then please contact our office. Don’t wait for your next checkup to let us know because the sooner oral cancer is treated, the better!
Screening
As with any cancer, early detection and diagnosis is key; it’s important for patients to see an oral healthcare professional regularly, particularly if they are in the high-risk groups — those who use tobacco, abuse alcohol, or have been exposed to HPV. Oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%.
At Exton Family Dentist, oral cancer screenings are performed at each one of your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams to find signs and symptoms early.
Exton Family Dentist is one of the top dental clinics in Exton and has experience in oral cancer screenings. Make an appointment today if you are concerned about any signs and/or symptoms of oral cancer because prevention is better than cure.