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Oral Cancer: Symptoms and Need For Screening

• Posted by surprise dental December 12, 2022 Filed in Health #oral cancer screening surprise  #restorative dentistry in surprise az  57 views
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  If someone's mouth has any unusual growth or sore that is not going for long, then there are high chances of oral cancer. Over half a million people are diagnosed with oral cancer worldwide yearly; most of them are men. Cancer on the lips, tongue, cheeks, hard and soft palate, the floor of the mouth, sinuses, and pharynx are classified under oral cancer. It is a life-threatening disease that needs immediate treatment.

   

  The primary reason for oral cancer is mouth infections that lead to teeth loss. There are many procedures to deal with tooth loss, such as dentures, crowns, and dental implants Surprise, but oral cancer is a more severe dental problem that needs advanced treatments. Before attempting to treat your oral cancer, your dentist will need oral screening of your mouth to know the problem in detail.

   

  Oral Cancer Symptoms:

  The symptoms of oral cancer might include the following:

  • Mouth pain
  • Ear pain
  • Sores or lesions in the mouth
  • Leukoplakia or White patches
  • Erythroplakia or Red patches 
  • A lump in the mouth or on the tongue
  • Pain while swallowing
  • Hoarseness or a sore throat

   

  Can a dentist catch oral cancer early?

  Detection of oral cancer in its early stages is possible if you regularly visit your dentist for checkups. Early diagnosis is highly beneficial as treatments are pretty straightforward and effective in the early stages of cancer. Your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening during your annual checkups to diagnose the symptoms.

   

  Factors responsible for developing oral cancer include:

  • Smoking. 
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol. 
  • Family history of cancer.
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV). 
  • Age. 
  • Gender. 
  • Poor diet. 

   

  What is an oral cancer screening?

  Your dentist will conduct a series of tests in your mouth to look for any signs of cancer; these exams are known as oral cancer screening.

  The dentist will examine the following areas in your mouth during an oral cancer screening:

  • Lips
  • Cheek lining
  • Tongue
  • Tonsils
  • Mouth Floor and roof
  • Gums

  How Is Oral Cancer Treated?

  The treatments for oral cancers are not different from any other cancer treatments. It needs surgery to remove the cancerous growth. After a successful surgery, the patient needs radiation therapy or chemotherapy to eliminate any existing cancer cells.

  How To Prevent Oral Cancer?

  Oral cancer starts with bad oral conditions in your mouth, such as infection, nerve damage, and bad health habits. You can follow some easy routines to reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. 

  • Adopt a proper hygiene routine.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation.
  • Maintain a well-balanced diet.
  • Limit sun exposure.

  Early oral cancer detection helps improve the chances of successful cancer treatment. Your dentist might recommend regular oral cancer screening Surprise that can help examine your entire mouth for any cancer-related signs.