Oral cancer is a cancer that occurs in the mouth and the back of the throat. In most cases, oral cancer is detected by your dentist in Rickmansworth, so it is crucial that you have regular visits to Berry Lane Dental in order for your dentist to identify any early signs of oral cancer.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a tumour that develops on the tongue, the tissue that lines the mouth and gums, beneath the tongue and the back of the mouth. In some cases, the tumour can also grow on the salivary glands, tonsils, or pharynx. Oral cancer mostly occurs in people above the age of forty and is more common in men than women, however it can still occur at any age and to any gender. Most oral cancers are caused by the consumption of tobacco, excessive alcohol use and infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), however there are many other factors that can contribute to the progression of oral cancers including poor oral hygiene, an unhealthy diet, old age, genetics and prolonged exposure to the sun.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
There are many symptoms to look out for that can indicate you may have oral cancer, so it is best to contact your dentist in Rickmansworth as soon as you think you are presenting any of the following symptoms, to ensure your dentist makes a proper diagnosis. Symptoms of oral cancer may include but are not limited to sores and lumps in your mouth, lip and throat, white or red patches inside your mouth that do not disappear within a couple of weeks, sudden difficulty in speaking, chewing and swallowing, difficulty in moving your jaw or tongue, swelling of the jaw that makes wearing dentures uncomfortable and numbness in your tongue and mouth.
How is oral cancer diagnosed?
Unfortunately, oral cancer is able to spread quickly so it is crucial that it is detected as early as possible to prevent it from becoming severe. Your dentist in Rickmansworth can carry out a thorough oral cancer examination to detect any premature signs during a routine dental check-up. The examination only takes a few minutes and is painless, which is why we highly recommend booking regular appointments with your dentist so that they can detect any signs of cancer that you may not have noticed. If you suspect you may have signs of oral cancer, it is best to notify your dentist during your appointment so that they can carry out a thorough check of your mouth, neck and lips for any possible signs straight away.
What is an oral cancer screening?
Your dentist can carry out a series of combinations of oral cancer screening techniques to determine whether or not you display early signs of oral cancer. A common technique used in the initial stages to detect oral cancer is a visual examination; this involves using screening dyes and palpation to feel for any lumps or lesions in the mouth. The process is fairly quick and can be carried out during a routine dentist appointment. During a visual examination, the dentist will look out for any lesions that may be present in your mouth and throat and more significantly they will look for areas that are abnormally red or for any thick white patches. Oral screening dyes are often used to coat any lesions with a blue dye which helps highlight and identify any areas of the mouth or throat that are more likely to become cancerous.