Recognizing Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Published: 2011-04-13 - Updated: 2022-04-22
Author: Disabled World - Contact Details
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
Related Papers: Latest Items - Full List
On This Page: Summary - Main Article - About/Author
Synopsis: Early stages of oral cancer can develop without causing noticeable symptoms, dentists offer the most important line of defense against the disease. Heavy exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and sunlight are linked to oral cancer, which becomes more likely to strike in middle age. Among nonsmokers under age 50, however, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming one of the leading causes of oral cancer. It can be hard for a patient to know the difference between something to worry about and not. Early stages of oral cancer can develop without causing noticeable symptoms.
Main Digest
For decades, the incidence of oral cancer has remained nearly constant, partly because it can be difficult to detect. However, during April, Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Disabled World, is joining the national effort to support early recognition of oral cancer symptoms.
advertisement
It can be hard for a patient to know the difference between something to worry about and not. Early stages of oral cancer can develop without causing noticeable symptoms. As gatekeepers to oral health, dentists offer the most important line of defense against the disease, says Samuel H. Gruenbaum, President and Chief Executive Officer of the California based dental HMO.
Heavy exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and sunlight are linked to oral cancer, which becomes more likely to strike in middle age. Among nonsmokers under age 50, however, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming one of the leading causes of oral cancer. Consult a dentist if you notice any symptoms of lip and oral cancer, including:
- Persistent ear ache.
- Swelling of the jaw.
- A hoarseness or change in voice.
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well.
- A feeling that something is caught in the throat.
- Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth or lips.
- Trouble chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw.
- Unspecified or sudden numbness in the oral or facial region.
- A lump or thickening on the lips, gums, or in the neck or mouth.
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn't heal within 14 days.
- White or red patches or a mix of both on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth.
If your dentist notices an abnormality, he or she may refer you to the appropriate doctors for further tests. If you have any oral health concerns, see a dentist, sooner, rather than later. It could save your life.
Share This Information To:
𝕏.com Facebook Reddit
Discover Related Topics:
advertisement
Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can connect with us on social media such as X.com and our Facebook page.
Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/oral-cancer.php">Recognizing Symptoms of Oral Cancer</a>
Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2011, April 13). Recognizing Symptoms of Oral Cancer. Disabled World. Retrieved September 21, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/oral-cancer.php
Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care, nor should they be construed as such. Funding is derived from advertisements or referral programs. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.