Oral cancer is a condition that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat, affecting areas such as the tongue, gums, tonsils, and other oral regions. Each year, over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, with men being more prone to developing this condition. However, there are techniques to minimize your risks if you exhibit any symptoms of oral cancer.
Over the past three decades, fatalities from oral cancer have decreased. As with other types of cancer, receiving prompt treatment after an early diagnosis of oral cancer improves your chances of survival. If you believe you may be at risk, it is essential to learn about the dangers of oral cancer, the signs and symptoms, and the potential causes.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
The signs of oral cancer can vary among patients, just as with other types of cancer. Some of the most common warning signs include mouth sores or pain that does not subside, as well as red-and-white patches on the gums, tonsils, and mouth lining.
Other indications of oral cancer may include swelling in the neck, a lump in the cheek, difficulty chewing or swallowing, trouble moving the jaw or tongue, persistent bad breath, and unexplained weight loss.
Factors Increasing Your Risk of Oral Cancer
The precise causes of oral cancer are not entirely clear, but some scientists believe cancers begin after damage or mutations in the genetic code controlling cell growth and death. Factors identified as increasing the risk of oral cancer include:
- Smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, or using smokeless tobacco and chewing tobacco are the most common causes of oral cancer.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol also increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Cancers linked to HPV, generally found in the back of the throat, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils.
- Excessive exposure to sunlight on the lips.
Although cases of oral cancer are decreasing, afflictions due to HPV are steadily increasing. Other risk factors include being over 45 years old and exposure to radiation or having a history of head or neck cancer.
Determining Your Risk of Oral Cancer
During routine dental exams, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening to examine the mouth for any unusual lesions or bumps that may indicate signs of oral cancer. The dentist examines the areas mentioned earlier but does not diagnose oral cancer. If any suspicious lumps or lesions are found, the dentist will likely refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis through a biopsy and laboratory testing. It is essential to understand that an oral cancer screening does not necessarily mean you have cancer; it is a technique to detect oral cancer early when treatments are most effective. Dentists consider oral cancer screenings crucial and examine all adult patients during exams and cleanings.
Dealing with Positive Signs of Oral Cancer
If you receive a confirmed diagnosis of oral cancer, there are many treatment options available, depending on the location and extent of the cancer. The goal of early treatment is to cure the condition. However, if the cancer has progressed, specialists aim to stall further growth and ease symptoms such as pain, difficulty eating, speaking, or swallowing.
Radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy are the most common treatments for oral cancer, and the specialist will determine the most suitable treatment to cure or control the disease.
If you maintain diligent oral hygiene and visit your dentist every six months, you can stay on top of any potential signs of oral cancer. Your dentist can detect issues through various tests and recommend a biopsy only if suspicious lesions or lumps are found. As a result, oral cancer fatalities are low, and in most cases, the condition is treatable when detected early. Now that you are aware of the warning signs indicating a potential risk of oral cancer, it is advisable to discuss this with your dentist and undergo an examination during your next dental appointment.
Oral Cancer Screenings in Iselin and Kendall Park: Recognizing Risks and Warning Signs
At United Dental Group of Iselin and Kendall Park, we prioritize oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive preventive care. Oral cancer can develop in the tissues of the mouth, tongue, gums, or throat, and early detection is key to successful treatment. Each year, over 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer, and our dentists are trained to spot early signs and symptoms during routine exams. Residents in Iselin, NJ 08830, Kendall Park, NJ 08824, and surrounding areas within a 0-15 mile radius can trust us for thorough oral cancer checks during their regular dental appointments.
Searching for oral cancer screenings near me in Edison 08817, Woodbridge 07095, Metuchen 08840, or Monmouth Junction 08852? We provide essential screenings to detect warning signs like mouth sores, persistent pain, red-and-white patches, and neck swelling. If you’re in Piscataway 08854, New Brunswick 08901, East Brunswick 08816, or Franklin Park 08823, we can help you understand your risk factors, such as smoking, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infections.
Our oral cancer detection services also cover patients in Rahway, Colonia, Avenel, and Carteret 07008. Whether you have a lump in your cheek, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, these symptoms warrant an immediate screening. We also provide care for patients in North Brunswick 08902, Somerset 08873, Sayreville 08872, South Plainfield 07080, and Helmetta 08828.
If you’re over the age of 45, have been exposed to radiation, or have a history of head or neck cancer, regular oral cancer screenings are vital. Our team serves residents in Scotch Plains 07076, South Amboy 08879, Clark 07066, Linden 07036, and Cranford 07016, ensuring early detection of oral cancer symptoms for timely treatment.
For patients in Highland Park 08904, Plainsboro 08536, Monroe Township 08831, Milltown 08850, and Dayton 08810, we offer peace of mind with thorough oral cancer checks during your dental visits. If any suspicious lumps or lesions are found, we refer patients to specialists for further diagnostic testing and biopsies to confirm or rule out cancer.
At United Dental Group, we believe that regular oral cancer screenings are crucial for maintaining your overall health. If you’re located in Iselin or Kendall Park, schedule your oral cancer exam today and protect yourself against potential risks.
Iselin Location: Iselin, NJ, 08830, Edison, 08817, Woodbridge, 07095, Metuchen, 08840, Fords, 08863, Perth Amboy, 08861, Colonia, 07067, Avenel, 07001, Rahway, 07065, Carteret, 07008, South Amboy, 08879, Clark, 07066, Linden, 07036, Cranford, 07016, Roselle, 07203, Union, 07083, Plainfield, 07060, Piscataway, 08854, Sayreville, 08872, South Plainfield, 07080, Scotch Plains, 07076, North Brunswick, 08902, New Brunswick, 08901, and Highland Park, 08904.
Kendall Park Location: Kendall Park, NJ, 08824, Princeton, 08540, Franklin Park, 08823, Monmouth Junction, 08852, South Brunswick, 08810, Dayton, 08810, North Brunswick, 08902, East Brunswick, 08816, South River, 08882, Milltown, 08850, New Brunswick, 08901, Somerset, 08873, Rocky Hill, 08553, Plainsboro, 08536, Lawrenceville, 08648, Jamesburg, 08831, Cranbury, 08512, Monroe Township, 08831, Kingston, 08528, South Brunswick, 08810, and Helmetta, 08828.
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