Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What You Should Know

Each April top dental institutions, in conjunction with non-profit organizations, take their time to raise awareness about oral and oropharyngeal cancers. They dedicate this period to teach the masses on the symptoms, causes, effects, and treatment options for these cancers.

It is an important reminder that cancers are easily manageable if detected in its early stages. Early management of cancer reduces the mortality rate since it can be fatal in its advanced stages.

Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer can develop in several parts in and around your mouth. These can be, gums, lips, tongue, the inner lining of the cheeks, and the floor of the mouth. North Potomac Dentist tells significant symptoms of mouth cancer are:

·       Persistent lip and mouth sores that do not heal

·       Prevalent pain in the mouth cavity

·       White or reddish patches on the gums, tongue and the mouth lining

·       Loosening of the teeth

·       Pain on the jaw and teeth

·       Tenacious sore throat

·       Difficulty in chewing and swallowing

·       Tongue numbness

·       Swelling of the jaw causing dentures to hurt or poorly fit

·       Prolonged bad breath

·       A lump on the cheeks

f

g    Causes of Tongue Cancer

Several reasons lead to the development of tongue cancer. These reasons vary from agents to practices that trigger the development of these cancers. This type of cancer develops as a result of mutations in the squamous cells in the tongue.

Risk Factors

1.     The use of tobacco-prolonged use of tobacco through smoking or chewing is one of the lifestyle habits that increase your susceptibility to developing cancer in the tongue. There is a pure connection between oral cancer and health care

2.     Excessive alcohol use is a leading factor in causing oral cancer. Statistics show that too much drinking puts you at a higher risk of developing this cancer

3.     Chewing betel quid especially in Asia is associated with the risk of developing this type of cancer

4.     Gender-tongue cancer is twice as common in men as women. This is due to the use of tobacco and alcohol, that are leading factors causing mouth cancer

5.     Age-statistically, most people with tongue cancer are over 55 years. They are more susceptible to cancer due to their weakened immune system. Younger people are also likely to develop this cancer considering the factors above

6.     Poor nutrition- is also a factor that increases your susceptibility to developing tongue cancer. Diets low in fruit and vegetables put you at risk of developing cancers in the mouth

7.     People with a genetic condition Fanconi anemia are at a higher risk of developing tongue cancer than the general population.

Oral Cancer Treatment

Potomac Crown dentistry is a dental clinic in north potomac, MD. We offer oral cancer screening options that are convenient for you. When screening, our experienced dentists use a mirror to inspect throughout the mouth thoroughly. He or she then feels around your cheeks to check for tumors.

Sometimes our dentists use a special dye rinse or light to identify abnormal cells in your mouth. If there are any abnormalities, the dentist runs further tests such as biopsies. The treatment options for oral cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Book an appointment with us today to get screened for oral cancer.