|
Oral Cancer
While the
rates of oral cancer have dropped in the past 20 years, health
agencies still anticipate that it will be diagnosed in more
than 30,000 Americans this year.
Knowing
the risk factors as well as the signs of oral cancer can go a
long way toward limiting the influence this disease can have
on your life.
Know what
to look for
As with
many forms of cancer, early detection of oral cancerous
lesions can improve the chances of successful treatment. You
can take an active role in detecting signs of oral cancer
early by checking your oral tissues periodically. Take a few
minutes to examine your lips, gums, cheek lining and tongue,
as well as the floor and roof of your mouth.
You'll
want to make note of the following:
-
A color
change in the oral tissues (whitish or red spots, for
example).
-
A lump,
thickening, rough or crusted spots, or small eroded areas.
-
A sore
that bleeds easily or does not heal.
-
Pain,
tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
-
Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the
jaw or tongue.
-
Changes
in the voice.
-
A change
in the way your teeth fit together.
In
addition, watch for changes beyond the mouth that could
signify oral cancer:
If any of
these conditions persists, contact your dentist for an
examination.
Minimize
the risk
You can
take steps to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by
avoiding behaviors that researchers have identified as being
strongly associated with the development of oral cancer.
The use of
any kind of tobacco products (cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars
or smokeless tobacco), particularly combined with heavy
alcohol consumption, has been identified as the major risk
factor for oral cancers in the United States.
The
importance of professional dental care
Regular
visits to your dentist are important in protecting yourself
from the effects of oral cancer. As part of your regular
dental examination, your dentist can quickly and easily check
the oral tissues for signs of cancerous and pre-cancerous
lesions.
Detecting
and treating cancerous tissues as early as possible is
critical in helping you beat a potentially deadly disease.
|