Mouth Cancer Explained – Causes, Signs, and FAQs
Cancer is the leading cause of death globally, with at least 39.5% of adults diagnosed with a type of cancer during their lifetime. This shows no one is safe, and thus it’s better to be on the lookout for any early signs of cancer. In our brief article today, we’ll focus on mouth cancer. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Mouth Cancer?
Although breast and lung cancer are the most common cancers, there are other types of cancers. Cancer can affect any part of the body, including the throat, cheeks, blood, colon, skin, etc. Cancer of the mouth affects the mouth region.
Who Is At a Greater Risk of Mouth Cancer?
Cancer of the mouth can affect anyone regardless of gender or age. However, according to research, adults in their 40s, especially men, are more prevalent. Oral cancer, although rarely discussed, is the most common type of cancer diagnosed globally, with at least 64- cases reported each year. There are over 43,000 cases of oral cancer reported each year in America.
What Causes Mouth Cancer?
Majorly, people who smoke tobacco and consume alcohol are at a greater risk of getting mouth cancer. If you use both, your risk of mouth cancer increases.
Also, prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of cancer of the lips.
HPV too increases the risk of getting mouth cancer. HPV is also the primary cause of cervical cancer. It majorly affects the body’s moist parts and can be transmitted via oral sex. Today, you can get HPV vaccines for both females and males, and they should be administered to tweens (12 and 13-year-old kids).
What Are the Common Signs of Mouth Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect different mouthparts, including the lips and tongue. At first, it appears as painless mouth ulcers that persist. If you notice white or red patches in your mouth or unusual lumps in your mouth or jaw that do not heal, you’re strongly advised to book an appointment with your dentist. Also, unending hoarseness should worry you.
How Can One Detect Oral Cancer Early?
Mouth cancer symptoms are easy to identify during the early stages by your dentist during a yearly dental examination. Remember that recovering from mouth cancer is higher if the condition is diagnosed early.
Therefore, make sure not to skip routine examination of the mouth. Also, be watchful of early signs of oral cancer such as ulcers that don’t heal, unusual red or white patches, unending hoarseness, and lumps in your jaw and neck region. Early diagnosis of this disease is the key to its cure.
What Is the Mouth Examination?
When getting examined, your dentist will use a small, unique mirror and assess the inner parts of your mouth. They’ll also check your neck and below the jaw to see if there’re lumps. This is part of a regular dental checkup if you go to a thorough dentist.
What Happens If My Dentist Identifies a Sign?
If your dental team identifies any abnormalities with your oral health, they may refer you to a consultant for a thorough evaluation of the mouth and throat. You’ll undergo a biopsy procedure, which involves removing a sample of cells from the affected area. The sample will be further examined to ascertain the problem.
What Happens After This?
If the cells are seen to be cancerous, additional tests such as blood tests and scans will be conducted. These exams will determine the type of treatment you need.
Is There a Cure for Oral Cancer?
As aforementioned, the chances of ultimately getting cured are relatively high if the condition is spotted in its early stages. Unfortunately, most people seek treatment when the condition worsens, thereby hampering their chances of getting a complete cure.
What Are Some of the Tips to Keep Oral Cancer at Bay?
We’ve already discussed the causes of oral cancer, which are the habits you should avoid. Quit smoking, minimize alcohol intake, eat a balanced diet with sizeable portions of fruits and veggies, and don’t skip a routine appointment with your dentist.
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!