Oral cancer needs to be caught in the early stages. Paying attention to all of the signs can help you catch it before it progresses to other areas of the body. Regular dental visits can help you catch oral cancer quickly. Knowing the signs, as well as the risk factors, of oral cancer can help you prevent it from occurring.
Signs of Oral Cancer
There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate oral cancer. These signs include:
- Difficulty chewing and feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Lumps and sores that won’t heal
- White or red patches
- Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
- Unexpected weight loss
Factors that Increase the Risk of Oral Cancer
Several factors increase the risk of oral cancer. Avoiding these risk factors can help you prevent oral cancer from occurring. Regular tobacco and alcohol use can significantly increase the risk of oral cancer. The likelihood of obtaining oral cancer increases with age. Sun exposure can also lead to oral cancer. It is necessary to use sun block and lip balm with sunscreen to prevent cancer from occurring.
Oral cancer is never a welcome experience. Catching it in the early stages can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of oral cancer, don’t wait to receive medical care. Contact us at Bismarck Advanced Dental and Implants today!