Oral cancer typically isn’t talked about a lot compared to other types, but it actually claims at least one life here in the United States every hour of every day. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and in that spirit, your dentist in Hamden is going to share the best ways you can keep both yourself and your loved ones protected from this disease.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is that which affects the lips, gums, cheeks, roof/floor of the mouth, throat, neck, and even face. It can become noticeable as a small growth, persistent sore, or even a patch of scaly tissue that doesn’t seem to heal. Typical causes include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, advanced age, sun exposure, and a genetic predisposition to develop the condition.
However, in recent years, more and more seemingly healthy adults without these risk factors have been diagnosed with oral cancer, which is why most medical professionals recommend that everyone should have at least one oral cancer screening per year. Early detection is absolutely essential to the successful treatment of the disease, and fortunately, you can get an oral cancer screening as part of your regular checkups with your dentist in Hamden.
How an Oral Cancer Screening Works
An oral cancer screening with your dentist is quick, painless, and it could literally be the few minutes that saves your life! Your dentist will visually and tactilely examine your mouth and surrounding oral structures for small sores or discolored tissues, and they’ll also check for growths on your face and neck. If they find anything that causes concern, they can arrange for you to have a biopsy so you can get a proper diagnosis.
In many cases, it’s a dentist who first notices the signs of oral cancer in a patient, so going to your regular checkups can do much more than simply make sure you’re cavity-free!
Oral Cancer Symptoms
While annual screenings are great, be sure to contact your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms between appointments, as they could be a sign of cancer:
- A small red or white sore in your mouth
- An oral sore that doesn’t heal after two weeks
- A rough patch of tissue in your mouth
- A lump on your neck or face
- New tenderness on your neck or face
- New asymmetry in your face
- A persistently sore throat or hoarse voice
- The feeling like you have something stuck in your throat
- Trouble speaking or swallowing comfortably
Oral cancer rates are currently on the rise in the U.S., but by seeing your dentist regularly for screenings and keeping an eye out for the symptoms above, you can make sure this disease never has a chance to catch you off guard.
About the Author
Dr. Ronald J. D’Andrea is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and has decades of experience practicing dentistry. In that time, he has literally performed thousands of oral cancer screenings and helped save hundreds of lives. To learn more about oral cancer and how you can keep you and your loved ones protected, contact him for more information.
