Signs of Oral Cancer

Are You at Risk of Oral Cancer?

The most common form of head and neck cancer, oral cancer affects about 11 people in every 100,000. It is more common in men than in women, in Caucasians than other races, and in older people than younger people. Oral cancer affects the inside of the mouth, and can spread to other areas of your head and neck. It is potentially very dangerous, and has a 63 percent survival rate five years after diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a little bit tricky, because many of the symptoms can also be symptoms of much less serious conditions. The difference is that with those other conditions, the symptoms resolve, while with oral cancer, they linger. If you have a concern about something in your mouth, and it persists for two weeks or more, see your dentist as soon as you can. Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Non-healing sores on the lip or in the mouth
• Lasting pain in the mouth.
• A lump or thick spot in the mouth, lips, or cheek, or a mass in the neck or throat
• A white or red patch on the lining of the mouth, the gums, tongue, or tonsil
• A lingering sore throat or feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
• Numbness in the mouth, tongue, or lip
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Dentures that are beginning to feel uncomfortable
• Tooth pain or loosening teeth
• Changes in the voice
• Weight loss
• Ear pain

The Benefits of Early Detection

Catching oral cancer in the early stages can greatly improve the outcome. Doing a monthly self-examination can help you spot the signs of oral cancer, and if you do, you should immediately contact your dentist. Having regular dental screenings is also a good way to spot cancer early, as your doctor will look for signs during the exam.

Preventing Oral Cancer

There is no way to absolutely prevent oral cancer. However, you can reduce your risk of mouth cancer by refraining from using tobacco, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and limiting your intake of alcohol. You might also talk to your dentist about whether you should receive the HPV vaccine.

Schedule a Screening at Park 56 Dental Group

If you live in New York and you are looking for a dentist to help you maintain good oral health, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. Located in the 10022 zip code, we serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online.