Recognizing Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2011/04/13 - Updated: 2022/04/22
Topic: Cancer and Tumors - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

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.

Introduction

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.

Main Item

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.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.