Early Signs of Oral Cancer

Early detection and treatment of oral cancer are very important. It can help prevent the disease from spreading to other areas of the body or developing further. A large percentage of people in the United States survive from oral cancer after a couple of years. As long as this condition is caught early, the chances of successful treatment are high. Read on to learn about the early signs of oral cancer that you should watch out for.

Oral cancer

The early signs of the disease can be difficult to spot. The symptoms are, therefore, easily overlooked. Oral cancer can develop in numerous places. These include the lips, gums, tongue, and inner lining of the cheeks. It can also develop in the salivary glands, hard palate, and soft palate.

Many dentists usually perform an oral cancer screening as part of a regular dental exam. This often includes an examination of the mouth, lips, face, and neck for any signs of cancer. For further protection, people can benefit from knowing the first signs of oral cancer. This will help someone to seek treatment early if the symptoms are evident.

Common symptoms of oral cancer

There are several signs and symptoms that are associated with oral cancer. It can cause a variety of warning signs. This usually depends on the location in the mouth that cancer first develops. Seeking immediate medical attention is recommended if any of the following oral cancer symptoms last for more than two weeks:

Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
A sore, irritation, or thickness in the throat or mouth
Numbness in the mouth
A feeling of an object or lump stuck in the throat
Persistent coughing
Either a red or white patch on the inside of the mouth
Ear pain but without any loss of hearing
Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
Unexpected weight loss
Swelling in the neck or jaw
Frequent nosebleeds
Hoarseness or any other vocal changes

Importance of early detection

With most types of cancer, early diagnosis is vital. Treatment for the disease often involves the use of a combination of therapies. In some cases, a medical practitioner may recommend chemotherapy and radiation therapy together. These are usually much more effective in the early stages.

If cancer ends up spreading to other areas, it will be much more difficult to treat. If cancer has not spread to surrounding tissues, the survival rates for oral cancer of the tongue, lip, and floor of the mouth are often high. The chances of survival decrease if cancer spreads to surrounding tissues. This is why people are always urged to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Takeaway

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth. Early detection is vital in overcoming oral cancer. A person should contact a doctor or dentist immediately if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. A variety of diagnostic tests may be used to determine the cause of the troublesome symptoms. Based on a thorough evaluation, a practitioner can provide an accurate diagnosis, and if necessary, recommend a treatment plan. If you want to find out more about the early signs of oral cancer, speak to your dentist.

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