The Signs Of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is an abnormal growth of tissues in and around the oral cavity. Oral cancers detected early and treated adequately can prevent severe damage to the body and improve the lives of oral cancer patients.

Common sites in the mouth:

Common sites of oral cancer in the mouth:
*Tongue
*Floor of the mouth
*Inside lining of the cheeks
*Gums
*Roof of the mouth (palate)
*Lower lip

Risk factors
The habits listed below are contributing factors to oral cancer:
*Smoking tobacco (cigarettes, pipes or cigars)
*Chewing tobacco
*Chewing betel nut with or without tobacco
*Drinking alcohol excessively
*Excessive exposure to sunlight

What are the signs of oral cancer?

*Look out for the following:
*Non healing ulcers for more than 2 weeks.
*White patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia).
*Persistent lump or growth in the mouth.
*Bad breath (halitosis)
*Enlargement of the lymph nodes

You may also experience:
*Pain.
*Difficulty in chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue.
*Numbness of the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth.
*Limited mouth opening.

Complications
Metastasis (transfer) of cancerous cells to other parts of the body.

What can you do?

Chances of getting oral cancer can be reduced by:
*Stop or not smoking
*Avoid alcoholic drinks
*Quit chewing tobacco or betel nut
*Limiting exposure to the sun
*Have a regular dental check-up
*Do self-examination of your mouth periodically

Oral cancer and Smoking Cessation
Smoking cessation for more than 3 years can reduce the risk of developing oral cancer by 50%.

Self -Examination for oral cancer
*Stand in front of a mirror under good lighting and use your forefingers and thumbs to pull facial
tissue aside to get a good view of the inner lining of the mouth.
*Look for white or red patches and especially any sores, ulcers or patches that do not heal.
*Use your thumbs and fingers to check for any lumps or changes in the texture of the tissues.
*If you notice any warning signs of oral cancer or any other mouth problems, consult your dentist.