Do You Have Any Signs of Oral Cancer?
One of the most dangerous aspects of any disease is missing signs and symptoms that should alert you that something is awry with your health. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest things to hear at the doctor’s office. Despite the developments in treatment and care, cancer does come with a high death rate throughout the entire world. Oral cancer is a disease that has an especially high death rate of 43% five years after receiving the initial diagnosis. In many of these cases, the high death rate is attributed to patients missing signs of the disease in their early stages.
Some signs of oral cancer are rather obvious and are what many people expect. However, not all signs of this disease are obvious, and many are mistaken for other issues such as a toothache or even a cold. Oral cancer occurs when altered cells divide uncontrollably inside the mouth and oral tissues. Once cancer cells are present, they can spread at a fast rate and pose life threatening risks.
Knowing the signs of oral cancer is important so that you can spot them right away and receive treatment immediately. Common signs include:
- Any type of lump, bump, or growth inside the mouth
- A persistent sore inside the mouth or on the lips that does not heal
- Persistent sore throat
- Unexplained mouth pain
- The cheek lining beginning to thicken
- Trouble swallowing
- Feeling that something is “caught” in the throat
- A change in the sound of your voice
- Chronic hoarseness
- Loosening teeth
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Stiffness or soreness of the jaw
- Persistent bad breath
- Ear pain
- Dramatic weight loss
At Bear Brook Dental Care, we want to help you keep your smile healthy for life. If you have any of the above-mentioned signs, or anything that concerns you regarding your oral health, please contact our practice today.
Posted on behalf of Bear Brook Dental Care