Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
By: Alin ThomsTotal Views: 283, Word Count: 674,
Mouth cancer is a kind of neck and head cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, tongue, or lips. Symptoms of mouth cancer can often be that of less serious illnesses. Hence, it is necessary to consult a doctor or dentist if you are facing any of these changes in your oral health.
Cancer is the deadliest problem that one can face. It begins as abnormal cell growth, which leads to a tumor. Though not so common, it occurs on the inside of the cheeks. It often occurs due to consumption of more tobacco. During your annual check-up, your dentist checks for oral cancer also. Those who use tobacco products also receive a more in-depth screening based on their risk.
Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
- White and Red Patches in the Mouth or Lips: A white or red patch inside the mouth is a common symptom of oral cancer.
- A Blister in your Mouth: A blister in the mouth that won't heal is a symptom of oral cancer. Sores which last for more than 2 weeks can also be another symptom.
- Difficulty Swallowing: It includes difficulty in chewing, speaking, or moving the tongue. This is a non-specific symptom of mouth cancer; it can be also caused by many other conditions.
- Earaches: Frequent or persistent earaches should be evaluated by a physician. It is usually an indication of the infection. However, in few cases, it can be symptom of mouth cancer also.
- Change in the Way Teeth Fit Together: It includes dentures not fitting correctly. Mouth cancer can also make one’s teeth loose.
- Bleeding from the Mouth: Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by many things, it can also be a symptom of oral cancer and needs to be checked.
The Common Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
- Ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
- Pain in the mouth that does not go away
Other Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
- A lump in the neck
- Weight loss
- Numbness in the mouth
- A change in your voice or speech problems
Preventing Mouth Cancer
Avoiding tobacco intake is the best thing you can do. Tobacco is nearly 80 to 90 percent responsible of mouth cancers.
Smoking: You must be well aware of the fact that smoking causes lung cancer. It also affects your health, making it difficult to fight against infections and recover from injuries. Among young adults, smoking leads to less growth and other difficulties in development.
Your oral health is at risk every time you light up a cigarette. Smoking cigarettes or a pipe greatly increases the chances of cancer of mouth, or throat. As so many people ignore early symptoms, mouth cancer often spreads before it gets detected.
Chewing Tobacco: Constant users of smokeless tobaccos can get mouth cancer very easily than those who don’t use it. It's better to avoid smoking cigarettes, or cigars, and dipping snuff as it reduces the risk for mouth cancer.
The most effective way to notice mouth cancer early is by knowing the symptoms of mouth cancer. You must conduct periodic self-examinations. When mouth cancer is detected and treated early, it is surely curable.
About the Author
Dr.Alin Thoms is a well known cancer specialist ( oncologist) and has been in this field since from 1995. He uses radiotherapy or drugs to treat cancer. He has done B.A and B.M.B.ch from Oxford University. His special interests lies in - leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and chemotherapy and transplantation for these disorders. He is currently director of the North London Cancer Network
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote