Facts about Oral Cancer
Oral cancer develops slowly, and there are certain signs to watch for in detecting it within the mouth. These signs are listed below.
• A sore in the mouth, similar to a canker sore, which does not heal within one to two weeks, should be checked by the dentist. It may occur anywhere in the mouth but usually develops on the lips or tongue. The sore may be dark or light in color. It could also appear as a patch that is white or red.
• Numbness of the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer.
• Difficulty in swallowing and/or while chewing should be watched.
• Oral cancer can manifest itself as a sore throat.
• A change in the voice can occur with oral cancer.
• The structure of the jaw may also change.
• Erupting sores that bleed could be an oral cancer sign.
• An unusual taste in the mouth may be an indication of problems.
Any of the above signs does not mean that cancer is present, but it warrants a watchful eye to make certain. If there is any suspicion that something may be wrong, the dentist can perform a biopsy of any affected tissue to rule out the existence of the disease. If oral cancer is present, removal of the tissue will be done. In more severe cases, radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be used.
Heavy use of alcohol and smoking may increase an individual’s risk of developing some form of oral cancer.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
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• A sore in the mouth, similar to a canker sore, which does not heal within one to two weeks, should be checked by the dentist. It may occur anywhere in the mouth but usually develops on the lips or tongue. The sore may be dark or light in color. It could also appear as a patch that is white or red.
• Numbness of the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer.
• Difficulty in swallowing and/or while chewing should be watched.
• Oral cancer can manifest itself as a sore throat.
• A change in the voice can occur with oral cancer.
• The structure of the jaw may also change.
• Erupting sores that bleed could be an oral cancer sign.
• An unusual taste in the mouth may be an indication of problems.
Any of the above signs does not mean that cancer is present, but it warrants a watchful eye to make certain. If there is any suspicion that something may be wrong, the dentist can perform a biopsy of any affected tissue to rule out the existence of the disease. If oral cancer is present, removal of the tissue will be done. In more severe cases, radiation and/or chemotherapy may also be used.
Heavy use of alcohol and smoking may increase an individual’s risk of developing some form of oral cancer.
Source: Dr. Philip Shindler, Dentist Westlake Village
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