Wednesday 20 April 2016

Oral Cancer Doesn't Just Target Smokers

I bet you didn't know that...

1 - April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

2 - While smoking, smokeless tobacco use and alcohol consumption are major risk factors in the development of oral cancer, 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do NOT smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally.

3 - You should conduct a self examination at least once/month.  See chart below.  All you need is a bright light and a mirror.  Look closely and feel your lips, the front of your gums, roof of your mouth, inside of your cheeks, back of gums and especially all aspects of your tongue.  Be sure to pull it out as far as you can to see to the sides as far back as your can.  Examine the back of your throat,floor of your mouth and even feel for enlarged lymph nodes along both sides of your neck and under your jaw.  Call us or your dentist's office immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs below.  

4 - Signs/Symptoms include, but are not limited to: 

  • Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
  • The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
  • Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
  • A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
  • Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice
  • Ear pain
  • A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit
  • Dramatic weight loss


5 - See your dentist regularly.   Even though you may be conducting frequent self exams, sometimes dangerous spots or sores in the mouth can be very tiny and difficult to see on your own. The American Cancer Society recommends oral cancer screening exams every 3 years for persons over age 20 and annually for those over age 40. During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection can improve the chance of successful treatment.