Oral Cancer If you develop cancer, it will be identified by the uncontrollable growth of cells that will cause damage to the surrounding tissue. Oral cancer can appear as an inflamed sore in your mouth that does not go away. If you have a concern, our experienced dentists at Simonsen Dental are able to detect all forms of oral cancer which may develop in the lip, tongue, cheek, floor of the mouth, and the hard palate. What Are The Symptoms of Oral Cancer?Oral cancer has a few noticeable symptoms that can point to the disease. The first sign of oral cancer is a lump or bump that may develop on your lips, gums, or inside of your mouth. If your growth is accompanied by soreness, swelling, crusts, or eroded developments that have red, white, or speckled coloring, it may point to oral cancer. Oral cancer may cause unexplained bleeding in your mouth. A growth from oral cancer may cause a chronic sore throat or it can be responsible for causing you slurred speech and numbness. If you notice any of these changes, be sure to schedule an exam with the dentist. What Are The Causes Oral Cancer?Patients over the age of 50 are more likely to get oral cancer. If you are male, you may be more than twice as likely to develop oral cancer than if you are female. If you smoke, you may be six times as likely to develop oral cancer compared to a nonsmoker. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes will increase your possibility of developing cancer in your oral cavity. If you smoke marijuana, you are also at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. If you drink excessive amounts of alcohol, you are six times more likely to develop oral cancer. Finally, having a family history of cancer and poor dietary habits, may put you at an increased risk for oral cancer. What Are The Treatments Available For Oral Cancer?If you develop any kind of cancer, it may spread rapidly. For this reason, it is important to follow good oral hygiene habits and be sure to visit your dentist every six months for an exam and a cleaning. If you know the state of your dental health and find complications promptly it will be extremely helpful in preventing further damage, especially if you are at risk of developing oral cancer. If your oral cancer is detected early, it can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy. A newer treatment option is targeted therapy. This alternative uses other prescription drugs that precisely target and attack cancer cells. With oral cancer, your available treatments will depend on your general health, where the cancer began, the tumor's size and type, and whether the cancer has spread. If our dentists detect oral cancer during your screening, we may refer you to a specialist who can choose the best individual care plan for you. What To Do If I Have Oral Cancer?At Simonsen Dental our dental health professionals encourage preventative dentistry and understand treatment plans for all dental problems. If oral cancer poses a risk for you, call our office now to schedule your oral cancer screening by dialing (503) 213-7004 and let us be your trusted care provider. |
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