What Does the Beginning of Mouth Cancer Look Like?

Recently, oral cancer has become quite popular. Like other types of cancer, it does not have a cure, and it can be fatal. However, there is always a high chance of treating it if it is detected early. In this blog, we will discuss the infection in detail, hoping the information will help you make the right decisions.

Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

Typically, mouth cancer appears as a sore in the mouth that gets bigger with time and never goes away. Unfortunately, most people only notice when it is too late. But if you undergo regular oral cancer screenings, the chances of catching the disease in its early stages and treating it are very high. In the meantime, be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms.

• Rough spots, swellings, and bumps on your lips, gums, and other parts of the mouth
• Experiencing repeated pains in your ears
• Unexplained gum bleeding
• An unexpected loss of weight without any valid cause like stress or sickness
• Development of speckled or red patches inside your mouth
• Experiencing difficulties when chewing and swallowing food
• Hoarseness of voice
• Sore throat that won’t go away

Please note that most of these signs are also signs of other infections. Therefore, don’t panic if you experience any of them because there is a good chance that it is not oral cancer. However, it is paramount to get an oral cancer screening after noticing these symptoms. Just make sure to keep a 14-day time frame to ensure the symptoms are persistent. We are here for you if you are looking for oral cancer screening near you.

Who Can Get Mouth Cancer?

Typically, oral cancer affects people of both genders and all ages. However, there are some individuals who are at higher risk of getting the disease than others. Here are some factors that increase one’s risk of getting mouth cancer.

Tobacco Smoking

Studies show that smoking tobacco increases one’s risk for infection by at least six times. Furthermore, smoking increases the risk of lung cancer and stains teeth, affecting your smile. Quit smoking to reduce the risk of oral cancer and improve your oral as well as general health. It is also worth noting that chewing tobacco poses similar risks to smoking it. Therefore, don’t chew it either.

Excessive Alcohol Intake

Taking one or two beers once in a while is not that bad. However, if you make it a habit to take beer every day without a limit, the risk of oral cancer and liver cirrhosis increases.

Cancer History in the Family

If there is anyone in your family who has suffered any form of cancer before, the risk of getting mouth cancer increases. The risk is even higher if you had cancer in the past but conquered it.

HPV Virus

Recently, the human papillomavirus has been responsible for most cases of mouth cancer. Luckily, there is an HPV vaccine, and you can decrease the risk of infection drastically by getting the vaccine.

Oral Cancer Treatment

If you are diagnosed with the disease early, there is hope for treatment. Typically, it is treated like other forms through a combination of therapies and surgeries. The surgical procedures involve the removal of certain infected parts and replacing them with artificial ones.

Luckily, the artificial parts function pretty much like the natural ones. The therapies will take a few weeks to get used to them, and they come with a few side effects, including loss of hair. But in the end, perseverance is worth it when you conquer cancer.

Prevention

If you do the right things and avoid doing things that make you vulnerable, you can avoid cancer. Here are a few tips for the prevention of mouth cancer:

• Don’t take alcohol in excess
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco at all costs
• Monitor the changes in your mouth and call the doctor or dentist if you notice signs of oral cancer.
• Get an HPV vaccine
• Get regular mouth cancer screenings to stay ahead of cancer.

New Tampa Smiles

Please don’t wait until it’s late to get a cancer screening. Get it now at our office at an affordable fee. You can also count on us for dental services, including teeth whitening in Tampa, FL, dental implants in Tampa, FL, veneers, and more. Book an appointment now.