Facts about Oral Cancer

Cancer can occur in the mouth just as it can in other areas of the body. It can affect the bottom or the roof of the mouth, the lips, cheeks and gums. Oral cancer develops slowly. It is important to have regular examinations at the dentist's office to maintain healthy teeth and gums, and oral cancer screenings can be a part of the examination for those patients who are at risk for cancer.

Tobacco and alcohol use can increase a person's chance of developing oral cancer, especially when both are used. The HPV, or human papillomavirus, can also cause this type of cancer.

There are certain warning signs that a patient can look out for regarding oral cancer. Any type of bump or lesion in the mouth that does not heal within a week may be suspicious. Difficulty with swallowing, a change in the voice, an abnormal taste in the mouth, bleeding sores, and soreness in the throat can be among the warning signs. Numbness may occur and there may be problems with chewing. Of course, any of these signs does not mean that oral cancer is definitely present, but it would be beneficial to have the symptom checked out by the dentist. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be performed to see what stage the cancer has reached. Treatment will depend on the level of cancer that is present. Since oral cancer does develop more slowly, routine visits to the dentist are key to early detection and treatment.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles

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