Oral cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and gums. Since the cure rate is high for early detection, it is important to identify the early signs of the disease. This blog will provide information on the signs and causes of oral cancer to enable people to seek early medical examination and treatment.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Sometimes, signs of oral cancer are hard to spot, given that they may be confused with some typical mouth problems. At the same time, be attentive to your health and check yourself for any of the following symptoms that may prevail for more than two weeks before making a doctor’s appointment:
- Failure to heal sores or ulcers in the mouth
- Inside the mouth, red or white patches
- Lesions (lumps) or thickening of the lips, gums or cheeks
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Problem in swallowing or speaking
- Numbness or pain in the jaw or tongue.
If you regularly visit your dentist, you can get the problem diagnosed at an early stage. A dental clinic in North Edmonton is capable of doing as detailed an examination as possible in order to find any irregular signs and suggest further diagnosis and treatment to the patients.
The Importance of Early Detection
Oral cancer can be cured a lot better if the disease is caught in its early stage, and this is why your dentist is supposed to be able to spot the symptoms during a normal examination. The best way to find out whether one has oral cancer is through an oral cancer screening, which is a procedure that entails a close look at the mouth and surrounding tissues.
Regular screenings include the oral cavity’s coloured or textured tissue, growth of abnormal tissue and precancerous conditions. People can find cancer at a very early stage by visiting the doctor for regular screenings.
Risk Factors Associated with Oral Cancer
Several factors can lead to oral cancer, but some are avoidable, and others can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Included below are the possible risk factors:
- Oral, Pharyngeal and Oral Cancer: Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Alcohol Use: Heavier drinking is a risk factor, especially when it is done with tobacco.
- HPV Infection: Oropharyngeal cancers are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Excessive Sun Exposure: The main cause of lip cancer is prolonged sun exposure.
- Poor Diet: A lack of nutrients can cause cellular damage and thus raise the risk of cancer development.
Avoiding these risk factors and following a healthy lifestyle can greatly lower the chances of oral cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
When suspicious symptoms are detected, healthcare providers may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as:
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken and analyzed to determine the presence of cancerous cells.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs help assess the extent of the cancer.
- Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is used to examine deeper areas of the mouth and throat.
Treatment depends on the stage and severity of the cancer. Common options include surgery to remove the tumour, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. A multidisciplinary approach ensures the best possible outcome for patients.
Prevention and Oral Health Care
While oral cancer cannot always be prevented, certain measures can help lower the risk:
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake.
- Brush and floss your teeth every day to maintain proper oral hygiene.
- Consume a diet full of fruits and vegetables that is well-balanced.
- Protect lips from sun exposure using lip balm with SPF.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups for early detection.
Visit Beverly Heights Dental for Oral Care
Early detection is key to successful treatment and recovery from oral cancer. If you are looking for an oral cancer screening dentist, Beverly Heights Dental offers comprehensive examinations to ensure your oral health is in optimal condition. Our dedicated team of dentists provides thorough screenings and expert guidance to help detect and manage oral health concerns effectively.
Don’t wait until symptoms become severe; schedule your screening today and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your health with Beverly Heights Dental.
Visit us today!
