A smoker has a high risk of getting oral cancer. Please check out the oral cancer symptoms in order to prevent or diagnose the disease early for higher chances of cure. Other causes of oral cancer including – chew tobacco, excessive of alcohol drinks, long time exposure under the sun or UV light etc

If you see these signs and symptoms in your mouth, please see your dentist immediately.

• Lip sore that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
• White or red patched on the gums or tongue
• Lump in the cheek
• Soar throat
• Difficult in chewing and swallowing
• Swelling jaw
• Numbness of tongue

It is also important to determine the stage of cancer in order to give a best course of treatment. In order to find out the stages of the cancer, doctor need to perform endoscopy, x-ray or CT scan and almost always include incisional biopsy too. A treatment may begin after definitive diagnosis and staged has been determined. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the higher chance of recovery.

How to prevent Oral Cancer?

Adjust your lifestyle may help to reduce the risk of getting oral cancer.

• Regularly visit your dentist
• Perform self-exam monthly
• Check your mouth for any of the above symptoms
• Stop smoking
• Stop chewing tobacco
• Reduce alcohol
• Balance die – more fruits and vegetables

It is important to know how to perform a self-exam to check on any symptoms of oral cancer. Do a regular check up and do not ignore any suspicious lump or signs found in your mouth. Seek doctor’s advice immediately for early treatment and better chance of cure.