Oral Cancer: Signs, Diagnosis & Prevention
Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable proliferation of cells that invade and destroy nearby tissues. Oral cancer is characterized by a constant growth or soreness in the mouth. It’s life-threatening if not detected and treated as soon as feasible. Our Red Oak Family Dentistry dentists will cover everything there is to know about oral cancer in this blog.
What Are The Warning Signs Of Oral Cancer?
Lumps, swelling, or rough areas on the gums, lips, or other regions of the mouth are some of the symptoms of oral cancer. You may also notice the appearance of speckled, red, or white areas around your mouth and unexplainable bleeding. Furthermore, you may have unexplained numbness, soreness, pain, or a lack of sensation around your face, neck, or mouth. Persistent sores are a sign of oral cancer on the face, mouth, or neck.
Other symptoms of oral cancer may include difficulty swallowing, chewing, moving the jaw, speaking, or moving the tongue. Ear pain, severe sore throat, change in voice, dramatic weight loss, and change in the way dentures or teeth fit together may be symptoms of oral cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should not hesitate to see your Mckinney dentist for an oral cancer screening.
Diagnosis Of Oral Cancer
It would be best if you kept up with your routine checkups. Your dentist in Mckinney will do an oral cancer screening during these checkups to determine your condition. Any lumps or unusual tissue changes in your oral cavity, face, head, and neck will be extensively examined. Your dentist will look for sores, discolored tissue, and other symptoms listed above during the examination. In addition, if a region appears worrisome, a biopsy may be performed to determine the affected area’s structure.
Prevention Of Oral Cancer
If you want to prevent cancer, there are many things you can do. It would be best if you avoid smoking or taking other tobacco-related products. Your alcohol intake should be moderate, and excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided. The consumption of a balanced diet is significant. You should limit your exposure to the harmful rays of the sun. If you are excessively exposed to the sun, you will be more liable to cancer. It would help if you used sunscreen when stepping out in the sun.
You should also conduct a self-examination at least once a month. You should feel and look at your lips and the front area of your gums using a bright light and a mirror. Then, with your head tilted backward, examine the roof of your mouth. By pulling your cheeks out, you may check the inside of your mouth, the lining of your cheeks, and your gums. Your tongue should be pulled out and examined thoroughly. The back of your throat and neck and the inner of your lower jaw should not be overlooked. Contact your Mckinney dentist right away if you see any changes during your observation.
We hope this blog has helped you to understand everything about oral cancer. Book an appointment with us at Red Oak Family Dentistry for the best oral cancer screenings in Mckinney, TX.