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Definition Of
Oral Cancer |
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Mark A. Johnson Family Dentistry Ad
Winston-Salem Journal
July 2009 |
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Oral cancer is a
type of head and neck cancer that affects the
mouth. It can form in the lining of the
cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and
lips. Oral cancer symptoms can often be the
signs of other less serious illnesses, so it
is important to consult your doctor or dentist
if you are experiencing any of these changes
in your oral health.
Gum disease, cavities, broken teeth, crowns or
fillings, and poorly fitting dentures are all
the results of poor dental care (a cause of
oral cancer). Oral cancer treatment can worsen
all of these dental problems. Regular dental
care can help prevent oral cancer from
starting or coming back. Be sure to help
protect yourself against oral cancer by
maintaining a good daily oral health routine
at home and through regular visits to your
dentist and hygienist.
During your
annual dental check-up,
Mark A. Johnson Family Dentistry will also
screen for oral cancer. Those who use tobacco
and/or alcohol products may receive a more
in-depth screening based on their risk. |
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Facts About Oral
Cancer |
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Oral cancer is very deadly, and you may not even know you have
it if you don't visit your dentist on a regular basis. These
facts will explain how serious and deadly oral cancer is.
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Oral Cancer is a growing
worldwide problem. There are over 481,000 new cases of
oral cancer diagnosed every year.
2. Every hour of
every day someone dies from oral cancer in the
United States alone.
3. It is estimated that
approxinately 35,000 Americans will develop oral cancer
every year.
4. More than 25% of the
30,000 Americans that develop oral cancer each year will
die from it.
5. Every year, more people
die from oral cancer than cervical cancer or melanoma (a
type of skin cancer).
6. Of all the people
diagnosed with oral cancer, only about half will survive
more than five years.
7. African Americans are
33% more likely to develop oral cancer than Caucasians;
additionally, they have almost twice the mortality rate.
8. Oral cancer can be
highly curable if diagnosed and treated in its earliest
stages.
Your dentist and hygienist
should be checking you for oral cancer at your regular
dental
checkups. Contact us today to set up your next
appointment and screening.
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Symptoms Of Oral
Cancer |
1. White and Red
Patches in the Mouth or Lips:
A white or red patch
inside the mouth or the lips are the most common
symptom of oral cancer. These patches may also be a
combination of red and white.
2. A Sore or Blister
in Your Mouth :
A sore or blister in
the mouth or on the lip that won't heal is a symptom
of oral cancer. Sores that are reccurent or that last longer than
two weeks
warrant a trip to the doctor.
3. Difficulty
Swallowing:
This symptom can
include difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking,
or moving the tongue. This is a non-specific symptom
of oral cancer and can be caused by many other
conditions.
4. Earaches:
Frequent or
persistent
earaches need to be evaluated by a physician. An
earache is usually indicative
of an infection. However, in certain cases, it can be a symptom of oral
cancer.
5. Change in the Way
Teeth Fit Together:
This can include
dentures not fitting correctly. Oral cancer can
also cause loose teeth.
6. Bleeding from the
Mouth:
Report any oral
bleeding to your dentist and doctor. Bleeding from the
mouth can be caused by many things, but it is still a
symptom of oral cancer and needs to be checked out.
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Additional Signs & Symptoms: |
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Non-Healing Oral Sore(s)
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White Or Red Patches On
Tongue, Gums Or Mouth |
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Persistent Lip, Mouth,
Gum Or Tongue Sore(s) |
Mouth Bleeding |
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Lump(s) In Lip, Mouth Or
On Tongue |
Mouth Or Ear Pain |
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Persistent Sore Throat |
Mouth Numbness |
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Difficulty Chewing &/Or Swallowing |
Pain While Chewing Or Swallowing |
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Swollen Jaw |
Denture Fitting Problems |
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Change In Voice |
Uncomfortable Dentures |
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Bleeding Lip, Mouth Or Tongue |
Sore Lip, Mouth Or Tongue |
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Fatigue |
Weight Loss |
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Loose Tooth (Or Teeth) |
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Remember that oral cancer is often asymptomatic in early
stages;
so
call us today for your screening.
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Treatment Of Oral Cancer |
Once the diagnosis of oral cancer has been determined and the
cancer has been staged, treatment will ideally begin.
Oral cancer treatment normally includes a variety of
caretakers including: surgeons, radiation oncologists,
chemotherapy oncologists, dental practitioners, nutritionists,
rehabilitation and restorative specialists. Depending upon
which stage the cancer is in, the team will advise the
patient. Surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation or
combinations are the usual courses of treatment.
For more detailed information, please visit:
MedicineNet.com
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Oral
Cancer Prevention |
To help prevent the occurrence of oral
cancer:
- Minimize or avoid smoking or other
tobacco use.
- Minimize or avoid alcohol use.
- Practice good oral hygiene.
- Have dental problems corrected.
- Have the soft tissue of the mouth
examined once a year. Many oral cancers are
discovered by routine dental examination.
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Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Resources
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