During your regular dental check-ups, your dentist may discover abnormalities in your oral cavity that might be a sign of an oral cancer. If it is detected in its early stages, oral cancer is relatively easier to treat. However, most patients are diagnosed with oral cancers when signs and symptoms become persistent and your oral conditions worsen.
Here is an informative guide on oral cancer and its major signs that can help in early diagnosis and effective treatment:
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is one of the most common types of cancers that may occur near the lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, sinuses, palates and floor of your mouth. In the initial stages, oral cancer begins as a patch or sore which seems like a common problem that occurs in your mouth or lips. However, the difference between normal patches and sores and oral cancer is, these patches and sores are persistent and do not go away.
It may prove life-threatening and fatal if not diagnosed and treated in its early stages. According to statistics, around 50,000 are affected with oral cancer every year and more than 70 percent of men are the victims of oral cancer.
Major signs you should see a doctor for oral screening
Some of the most common and major signs that will help you diagnose oral cancer in its initial stages may include:
- Leukoplakia: These are white and gray colored patches that develop in your mouth or throat areas.
- Erythroplakia: These are reddish elevated or flat patches that may appear in your oral cavity. These patches may even bleed when scraped.
- Erythroleukoplakia: These are a combination of red and white patches that may appear in your oral cavity.
- Sores: You may spot sores on your lips or mouth that may cause profuse bleeding and do not heal within two weeks time.
- Crusty areas: Crusty areas or rough patches on your mouth or lips are another sign of oral cancer.
- Weight loss: Oral cancer patients may also undergo rapid and unintentional weight loss.
- Bad breath: If you are developing chronic bad breath, it is another sign that you have oral cancer.
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing: Many people may find it difficult to chew and swallow during oral cancer due to sores and rough patches inside your oral cavity.
- Numbness: If you experience numbness inside your oral cavity, it is also a sign of oral cancer.
- Pain: Many people also experience intense pain in jaws, mouth or teeth without any apparent cause.
- Ear ache: Since our internal passages are interconnected by certain means in the body, many people also encounter ear ache during oral cancer.
Call for Action:
If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned signs and symptoms, it is best to seek dental professional advice and go for oral screening. Perio Health offers some of the most experienced and globally recognized specialists in oral health who can help you out! Book your consultation today to seek a professional guide!