April is oral cancer month, so in light of this, the same will be the topic for this and next week . Oral cancer is divided into two categories â those occurring in the oral cavity (your lips, the inside of your lips and cheeks, teeth, gums, the front two-thirds of your tongue and the floor and roof of your mouth) and those occurring in the oropharynx (middle region of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue).
Early detection may result in better treatment outcomes and may help keep you or someone you love from becoming one of the 9,750 people whose lives may be claimed this year by the disease. The five-year survival rate of those diagnosed is approximately 60 per cent.
What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Itâs important to be aware of the following signs and symptoms and to see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks.
- A sore or irritation that doesnât go away
- Red or white patches Pain,tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
- Some people complain of a sore throat, feeling like something is caught in their throat, numbness, hoarseness or a change in voice.
If you have any of these symptoms, let your dentist know, especially if youâve had them for two weeks or more.
Dr Keith John
email:drkeithjohn@gmail.com
Clinic: Heritage Dental
Tel: 784-456-2220
Cell: 784-526-0752
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