Did you know that April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month? In 2022, it is estimated that 54,000 U.S adults will be diagnosed with oral cancer. That number can be scary, especially if you are not familiar with the signs of this disease.
In today’s blog post, we want to share a general overview of oral cancer, including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and prevention tips.
Oral cancer is defined as any cancer on the lip, tongue, cheeks of the mouth, mouth floor, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. Although anyone can develop this disease, people at the most risk include males as well as those with a history of tobacco or alcohol use, increased sun exposure, older age, HPV, or a history of neck or head cancer.
Symptoms include:
Early diagnosis is key, as it can spread quickly. If you have one or more of the symptoms listed above that persists for longer than two weeks, it is recommended that you visit your dentist for an oral examination. The exam is quick and painless. Your dentist or dental hygienist will check your lips, face, neck, and mouth for signs of this condition.
After diagnosis, your dentist may refer you to a specialist to receive proper treatment. When detected early, oral cancer is usually treated through surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Although anyone can get oral cancer, there are still things you can do to significantly decrease your chances of developing it. Here are a few tips to consider:
If you are due for your biannual exam, give us a call at 407.834.0330.
Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, wisdom teeth, and teeth whitening.
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