Early Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Uncontrollable cell formation and reproduction in a few areas of the mouth results in oral cancer. It can spread fast and usually does not show signs during its initial stage. That is why early detection is essential. So, if you are a daily drinker, chew betel nuts or tobacco, or smoke heavily, it is important to have a dental exam and cleaning on a routine basis.
Oral cancer screenings in Sault Ste. Marie, ON helps in identifying the early cancer signs. Early oral cancer detection and treatment prevents mouth cancer from spreading to other regions.
Early Warning Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Mouth cancer symptoms differ depending on the individual. Early signs usually include:
a) Red or White Patches
If you find a red or white patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining, it signifies that you have mouth cancer.
b) Sores or Ulcers in the Mouth
Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal and bleed are another sign of oral cancer.
c) Pain or Tenderness
If you experience pain in the mouth, jaw, face, or ear, contact the dentist in Sault Ste. Marie, ON if the following symptoms stay for more than two weeks.
d) Difficulty in Swallowing or Chewing Food
If you find it tough to swallow food, it could be a sign of oral cancer. Thus, it’s worth visiting a doctor if you have them.
Other Symptoms of Oral Cancer Include:
Mouth cancer may occur differently depending on the stage, mouth location, and other factors. Few other symptoms include:
a) Loose Teeth
If you find one or your multiple teeth loose for no reason or your tooth socket fails to heal after tooth pulling, it signifies a sign of oral cancer.
b) Discomfort in the Throat or Mouth
Irritation, thickness, or soreness in the throat or mouth signifies mouth cancer.
c) Lump Inside the Mouth
Oral cancer can also present itself in the form of a lump or growth in the mouth.
d) Difficulty in Moving Jaw
Those with oral cancer also find it hard to move their tongue or jaw.
e) Unexplained Reduction in Weight
If you find your body slim for no obvious reason, get a quick consultation with the doctor immediately because it might be mouth cancer.
f) Persistent Lumps in the Neck
If you have lumps in your neck lymph glands that stay for longer for no reason, there might be oral cancer.
g) Speech or Voice Issues
Speech problems or voice changes are another common sign of mouth cancer.
h) Constant Coughing
If the cough stays for more than eight weeks, it is a chronic cough. It can lead to serious issues and may be a sign of mouth cancer.
i) Swelling in the Jaw
If you have jaw swelling and make it difficult for the dentures to fit appropriately, it might be a symptom of mouth cancer.
j) Constant Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath from the mouth may be a warning sign of oral cancer. It’s best to get in touch with a dental expert for scheduling an oral examination if your bad breath is mainly due to gum diseases, decay, or sinus infection.
k) Blockage-Like Feeling in the Throat
Feeling that something is stuck in your throat is another symptom you should beware of.
l) Numbness in the Mouth
Numbness of the tongue and other areas of your mouth is another sign of oral cavity cancer.
m) Lump in the Cheeks
Sometimes, oral cancer may also develop in the inner lining of lips or cheeks (buccal mucosa).
n) Painful or Bleeding Gums
Painful or bleeding gums signifies gum cancer. It develops when cells present in the gum tissues get uncontrollable.
o) A Bumpy Area
Oral cavity cancer may also present as a bumpy spot close to the front teeth.
p) White or Gray Tissue
If the mouth tissues changes to white or gray color, be alert because it might signify oral cavity cancer.
Oral cavity cancer is one of the most common cancer types within the neck and head area. Although there are different oral cancers, the most common one begins in squamous cells.
Treatment of mouth cancer depends on your overall health and the size, type, stage, and extent of cancer. The most common treatments usually include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted drug therapy. Schedule regular check-ups with the dentist at Great North Dental today.