About Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know
Oral cancer can be mouth cancer, throat cancer, tongue cancer and tonsil cancer. Approximately 48,250 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. That's about 132 new people who will be diagnosed every day! Some of the risk factors for oral cancer is heavy use of alcohol, tobacco use, infection with human papillomavirus, diet and a personal history of oral cancer.
Here are a few signs and symptoms to look for:
- Sores, swellings, lumps or thick patches anywhere in or around your mouth or throat
- Areas of red or white lesions in your mouth or lips
- The feeling of a lump or object stuck in your throat
- Numbness, pain or tenderness anywhere in your mouth, including your tongue
What should you do?
- Visit your dentist. Your dentist will check your mouth as well as move your jaw and neck to see if he sees anything
- Get screened! If you suspect you are having issues, let your doctor know
(Article from Oral Health Kansas)
Links
The Word of Mouth on Oral Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer - Infographic
The Oral Cancer Foundation - Website
About Oral Cancer - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Oral Cancer - American Dental Association
What is Oral Cancer? - Academy of General Dentistry