Oral cancer has become common in recent years, and just like any other cancer, if detected early, it is treatable. In this article, we will discuss more about this disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer usually appears as sore or growth in the mouth that doesn’t go away. The disease is quite deadly, but if detected early, there is a chance of treatment. Check the signs you should be on the lookout for and visit a hospital ASAP if they are persistent.
- Bumps, swellings, rough spots, and eroded areas on your gums, lips, and other areas in your mouth
- Development of red, velvety white, or speckled patches in your mouth
- A dramatic loss of weight
- Pain in your ears
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness in your voice.
- Persistent sores on your neck, face, or mouth that bleeds easily and won’t go away within two weeks
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth.
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing food.
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to find a doctor and get tested as soon as possible. Talk to us if you need oral screening, Houston, and we will help you out.
Most of these signs are also signs of other diseases, so it is not a guarantee you are infected if you experience the signs. Don’t panic. Also, oral cancer is not a death sentence, and it is treatable if detected early. Contact us for oral cancer screening in Houston, and we will help you out.
Who Can Get Oral Cancer?
The risk of oral cancer is usually high for older men and smokers. However, in recent years, even younger people who are non-smokers are being diagnosed with the disease. Here are the risk factors for oral cancer:
- Tobacco: The risk of oral cancer is at least six more times for smokers than for non-smokers. Quit smoking and avoid oral cancer and other serious health problems. Also, the risk is high for people who chew or sniff tobacco. Avoid tobacco at all costs.
- Excessive consumption of Alcohol: Taking beer once in a while is not a problem, but when it becomes excessive, then it becomes a problem and increases the risk of oral cancer.
- Family history of cancer.
- HPV virus: This virus is nowadays responsible for as many oral cancer cases as smoking.
Oral Cancer Diagnosis
Nowadays, oral cancer screenings have become a part of routine dental exams. The dentist checks for any signs of oral cancer, as we have discussed. He also asks you about your family history with cancer.
If he is not satisfied, he might have to go the extra mile and recommend a biopsy. He will take a sample of your tissues to check for cancerous cells. The samples are taken painlessly, so you have nothing to worry about. If the test reveals you have oral cancer, the next step will be to determine the stage. He may use endoscopy or imaging tests for this.
Treatment
Oral cancer is treated much of the same as other types of cancer. The doctor performs surgery to remove the cancerous growth, which is then followed by therapy.
The surgery may involve the removal of part of your tongue, lymph nodes, or the jawbone. If the surgery drastically affects your life, reconstructive surgery might be necessary. The kinds of therapy you should expect are external beam radiation, brachytherapy, hyperthermia therapy, or chemotherapy.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of oral cancer, be sure to:
- Avoid taking alcohol on excess
- Quit smoking and taking any tobacco products
- Ensure to have regular oral screenings. You can count on Hermosa Dental if you are looking for oral cancer screening Houston, TX. We will be sure to help you.
- Monitor the changes in your mouth and see a doctor or dentist if you notice any of the signs we have discussed.
- Get a vaccine against HPV.
Hermosa Dental
Please don’t wait until it is too late to have oral cancer screening in Houston. We are here for you, and we will help you prevent this disease or treat it if detected early. We also provide other services such as orthodontics, dental implants, dental cleanings, and many others. We are open on weekends and up to six in the evening on weekdays. Book an appointment now.