Oral Cancer Awareness Month begins this April, which means that dentists all across the country are doing what they can to spread the word about this condition.
Early detection is critically important to people’s long-term prognosis if they contract this disease, so it’s crucial that everyone understand its tell-tale signs. With that in mind, here’s a guide to how you can notice this condition in yourself, what to look for, and what can put you at risk.
What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?
There are a wide variety of variables that can increase your risk of contracting oral cancer. Some of them, like genetics and age, are something you can’t really do anything about.
However, there are risk factors that are related to your behavior. The first is substance abuse—the people most likely to contract oral cancer are smokers and heavy drinkers over the age of 50.
Research has also tied oral cancer to the sexually transmitted condition HPV. In most cases, this virus fades on its own, but in certain situations, it can cause complications years down the line. This can include an increased risk for oral cancer.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Diagnosing oral cancer on your own can be tricky because the signs of the disease can be easily confused for minor injuries or other kinds of conditions.
The distinguishing factor for oral cancer is that it won’t heal over time—if you find that you have one of the following symptoms for weeks on end, you should talk to your dentist about an oral cancer exam:
- Sores or ulcers
- Firm, immobile lumps on the neck
- Red, white, or black discoloration
- Lump or growth in the mouth, especially on the border of the tongue
If your oral cancer is caused by HPV specifically, you may also experience:
- Sore throat
- Swollen tonsil on one side
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Earache on one side
If you have any of these conditions, and especially if you have several of them, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. Even if the problem turns out to be nothing, acting fast could be life-saving.
About Our Practice
At D’Andrea & Pantera Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that every patient should have access to the highest level of dental care, no matter the issue that they’re facing. That’s why everyone on our team, from our four experienced dentists to the people manning the front desk, works their hardest to ensure that they’re able to offer that kind of treatment.
If you have any questions about oral cancer, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (203) 288-0951.
