April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral cancer, or cancer of the mouth, is the most common type of head and neck cancer. While it occurs most often in people age 60 and older, it can affect anyone at any age. If left untreated, it can spread and cause issues in other areas of your head, neck, and body. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer to be aware of. 

Call 845-582-3985 to schedule a screening at Warwick Valley Dental in Warwick, NY.

What Does Oral Cancer Look Like?

Most cases of oral cancer start in the squamous cells within the tissue lining your mouth and throat. Oral cancer can show up on the outside and inside of your lips, throat, tonsils, tongue, roof of your mouth, gums, floor of your mouth, and the insides of your lips and cheeks.

If you notice anything abnormal, you should reach out to your doctor or healthcare specialist as soon as possible. Many people are surprised to learn that mouth cancer isn’t usually painful, especially in the early stages. Although pain is a possible symptom of oral cancer, painful spots in your mouth are usually the result of injury or infection. With that in mind, here are some things to look out for:

• Abnormal coloring in or around your mouth that doesn’t improve or heal in two weeks
• A patch on your gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of your mouth
  • These patches can appear white or red
  • The area might feel thicker or take on a different texture
• Lesions or ulcers in or around the mouth that don’t improve or heal in two weeks

Symptoms Of Oral Cancer

The following symptoms aren’t exclusive to oral cancer, but if you experience one or more of them we highly recommend getting checked out by a doctor:

• A sore in or around your mouth that doesn’t heal 
• A thick patch or lump inside your mouth or throat
• White, red, or white and red patches in your mouth or throat
• Frequent, unexplained bleeding in your mouth
• Pain or numbness in your mouth that isn’t related to an injury or infection
• Chronic sore throat or constantly feeling like you need to clear your throat
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw
• A change in your voice
• Swelling, pain, or stiffness in your jaw
• A change in your bite or loose teeth not caused by an injury
• Chronic bad breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ear pain

Minimize Your Risk Of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer often goes undiagnosed until it’s more advanced. In addition to paying close attention to your body, seeing your dentist for regular checkups is crucial to spotting oral cancer early on. At Warwick Valley Dental, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Call 845-582-3985 or to plan your next dental checkup.