While early signs of oral cancer will typically be seen by your dentist during a regular check-up, it’s important for patients to become familiar with those signs in order to take advantage of the earliest possible treatment. Oral cancer may occur:
- On the lips
- Inside the mouth
- On the throat
- On tonsils
- On salivary glands
Early warning signs include:
- Sores that bleed easily and don’t heal on their own
- Lumps in the cheek
- Numbness
- White or red patches
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Chronic soreness or pain
- Sensation of something being stuck in the throat
- Jaw swelling
- Hoarse voice
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to contact your dentist immediately, as early detection increases the likelihood of an effective treatment process. Wondering what you can do to prevent oral cancer from ever forming in the first place? Avoid tobacco use and excess alcohol consumption, two factors that greatly increase the risk of oral cancer. Other risk factors include a weakened immune system, HPV, and excessive sun exposure to the lips.
