One of the most frightening of all dental concerns is oral cancer. There are many symptoms that can point early on to possible cancer or other serious dental problems that could make you more susceptible to cancer. Recognizing the oral cancer symptoms so they are not ignored is important, and our team of skilled and experienced Naperville dentists knows what to look for and how to tell if you are at risk for developing oral cancer. Here is what you need to know:
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Some of the most common oral cancer symptoms and signs include:
- The most common symptom is a mouth sore that does not heal or go away
- Persistent mouth pain commonly comes with the growth of cancer
- A lump or thickening of the tissue in the cheek or lips
- Patches of irritated tissue on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or mouth
- A sore throat or feeling like something stuck in the throat that doesn’t get better
- Difficulty, eating, swallowing, talking, or chewing
- Difficulty moving the lips, jaw, or tongue
- Numbness in any area of the mouth that was not previous numb
- Jaw swelling that makes dental implants and prosthetics fit poorly or painfully
- Loosening of the teeth or sudden loss of teeth
- Pain that radiates from or through the teeth or jaw to other areas of the mouth
- Voice changes that suddenly occur
- A lump that forms in the neck or throat or jaw area
- Weight loss that is drastic or unexpected
- Persistent bad breath caused by cancer and decay in the mouth
If any of these oral cancer symptoms present themselves and linger for more than a few weeks without improving or they worsen, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. These are the important oral cancer symptoms that you need to be on the lookout for and report to your Naperville dentists!
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
There are a number of things that can make one more prone to developing oral cancer in their lifetime. If you have any of these risk factors then you need to be even more aware and watchful for oral cancer symptoms:
GENERAL
Gender: Some types of oral cancer are more likely to occur in men than in women, primarily due to the likelihood of heavier tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Age: The average age of individuals who are diagnosed with oral cancer symptoms is 62, and two-thirds of those with oral cancer are over age 55.
Ultraviolet light: Oral cancer includes cancer of the lips and this is commonly seen in individuals who work outdoors in the sun for prolonged periods of time.
GENETICS
Genetic syndromes: Some cancers are inherited and if there are oral cancers in your family then you may also be at a risk for developing it too.
Fanconi anemia: This blood condition is inherited and s caused by mutated genes and the presence of this condition can make someone more prone to oral cancer.
Dyskeratosis congenita: Also known as aplastic anemia this genetic disorder carries a very high risk of mouth and throat cancer – especially at an early age!
LIFESTYLE
Tobacco use: A staggering 80-85% of those with oral cancer symptoms are tobacco users, whether it is chew, snuff, or smokes and the use of tobacco worsen symptoms.
Alcohol: As many as 70-75% of people who end up with oral cancer are heavy drinkers and the use of both tobacco and alcohol increases the risk exponentially!
Repeat injury: individuals who suffer repeat injuries to the mouth area may have more oral cancer symptoms and a higher risk for developing some sort of oral cancer.
OTHER CONDITIONS
(HPV): Human papilloma viruses includes over 100 similar viruses, any of which cause warts, but there are some that cause a variety of cancer including oral cancers.
Immune system suppression: Some drugs and therapies and immune system disorders like HIV among others can make the body more prone to other types of cancer.
Lichen planus: This disease usually manifests as white lines or spots on the tissue of the mouth and throat and tongue and can lead to oral cancer symptoms.
Contact Comfort Care Today
If you or a loved one has any of these common oral cancer symptoms or any other problems or concerns they are worried about, it is important to see a dental expert! If you are looking for the best Naperville dentists, then come by and see for yourself why Comfort Care Family Dental is the name more Naperville residents trust for all of their dental care needs!
Comfort Care Family Dental P.C.
1001 E Chicago Ave #143, Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 369-0111
https://www.comfortcaredentists.com
