Oral cancer can be hard to discover, especially in its early stages. That’s why Inner Banks Dental of Washington, NC has released a list of five signs of the possible development of the cancer. It’s important to visit the dentist twice a year for screenings along with regular exams.
Oral cancer will affect more than 53,000 Americans this year. The signs of oral cancer are somewhat easy to spot, but they are also things you may assume are benign. That's why regular screenings are essential; early detection can lead to a better prognosis for all types of cancer.
For the complete list of symptoms, go to https://innerbanksdental.com/symptoms-oral-cancer.
The following are a few of the potential signs of oral cancer. However, note that all of these symptoms may also have benign causes. If you have one or more means that you should see your dentist soon, not necessarily that you have cancer.
Sores That Do Not Heal - You might get canker sores or an inflamed area on your cheek from biting down on it; these are common and not a problem. If you have a sore that does not heal within two weeks, however, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist.
Lumps and Bumps - Many different types of lumps and bumps might occur in the mouth that require little or no treatment. Bony protrusions called tori, small blisters on the inside of your lip, or inflamed taste buds are all common and usually harmless. If you notice a lump or a thickening that wasn’t there before, however, it’s best to get it checked.
Numbness and Tingling - If you notice a sudden or gradual numbness or tingling sensation in your mouth, tongue, or throat, you should have it evaluated by a dentist or your doctor. This can happen due to problems with TMJ or occasionally after dental treatment. However, in some cases, numbing is indicative of a more severe problem.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing - If you feel swelling or feel like something is caught in your throat, make a dentist appointment — especially if that feeling impacts eating or swallowing for more than a few days. Of course, if your breathing is affected or you can’t swallow at all or can barely swallow, call 911 or go to the emergency room!
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer - There are a few risk factors that you should know when it comes to oral cancer. If any of these apply, inform your dentist during visits and make sure to stick to your six-month checkups. It’s important to remember that anyone can get oral cancer; these risk factors just make it a more likely possibility, and they include:
• Age over 40 years old.
• A history of smoking or chewing tobacco, particularly if you also drink alcohol.
• A history of human papillomavirus (HPV).
• A history of skin or other types of cancer.
If you are concerned about the possibility of developing oral cancer, call us at 252-946-2131 or visit the link above.
