This year an estimated 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. If it is not caught and treated early, oral or oropharyngeal cancer can lead to long-term problems, including difficulties with eating and speaking, facial disfigurement and even death.
Luckily, when these cancers are detected and treated early enough, related health problems and mortality rates can be dramatically reduced. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is key to early detection!
As the 23rd annual Oral Cancer Awareness month comes to a close, the Oral Cancel Foundation, urges you to schedule an oral cancer screening now! Also, visit their “Check Your Mouth” website for tools and information about how to regularly check for signs of oral cancer at home in-between screenings.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer Not to be Ignored:
- Any sore or ulceration that does not heal within 14 days.
- A red, white, or black discoloration of the soft tissues of the mouth.
- Any abnormality that bleeds easily when touched (friable).
- A lump or hard spot in the tissue, usually border of the tongue (induration).
- Tissue raised above that which surrounds it; a growth (exophytic).
- A sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, does not heal.
- A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth.
- A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck, which has been there for at least two weeks.
- All the above symptoms have the commonality of being persistent and not resolving.
Symptoms of HPV-Caused Oropharyngeal Cancer*:
- Hoarseness or sore throat that does not resolve within a few weeks.
- A swollen tonsil on just one side. This is usually painless.
- A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck, which has been there for at least two weeks.
- A persistent cough that does not resolve after many days.
- Difficulty swallowing; a sensation that food is getting caught in your throat.
- An earache on one side (unilateral) which persists for more than a few days.
- All the above symptoms have the commonality of being persistent and not resolving.
*Symptoms may include one or more of the following which may persist longer than two-three weeks. Always call your dentist right away if there are any immediate concerns.
At Roselle Park Dental, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of every routine dental checkup as a courtesy to all our patients. Our dentists and hygienists will thoroughly check your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Also, making sure to check your mouth in the mirror once a month for any of the symptoms listed above is vital! If oral cancer is caught early, there is a greater chance that it can be cured.
Call us today at (908) 998-4698 or visit us online to schedule your next oral cancer screening today!
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.