Early Oral Cancer Detection Is Key
WE THINK ORAL CANCER DESERVES MUCH MORE ATTENTION THAN IT CURRENTLY GETS. The numbers are significant. In the United States alone, about 100 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every day. And while early detection boosts the survival rate to 80–90%, many times the diagnoses doesn’t happen until the cancer has progressed too far.
So, why does oral cancer so often go undetected? It is not because oral cancer is hard to find, but almost always due to lack of education. Because oral cancer doesn’t always have uncomfortable side effects, detection often only occurs through routine screenings.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should have us take a look:
- A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- A lump or thickening of your cheek
- A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
- Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness inside your mouth
- Jaw swelling
Although there may be other causes for these symptoms, having them checked by Drs. Kevin or Jane Lilly will provide peace of mind in knowing the cause.
It goes without saying in this case—the best offense is a great defense. Keep those regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so greatly increases the liklihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s absolutely worth it.
As your trusted, lifelong oral health partner, we want to keep you and your loved ones as healthy as possible. Let us know if you have any other questions about oral cancer or any of the symptoms mentioned above. And share this information with someone you know! Staying informed helps us all stay healthier.
Thank you for your article on oral cancer. There is also a link with HPV (human papilloma virus) and oral cancer. Patients should be encouraged to tell the staff that they have or carry this virus. This will assist in being more proactive with screening for oral cancer. Women that have had cervical cancer should also alert the staff to that part of their medical history. HPV is sexually transmitted and is a taboo subject, but your medical information is protected and confidential.. Many medical conditions can affect oral health and need to be told to the staff to better prevent any future problems or oral cancer
Melissa Allen, R.N.
patient of LIlly Family Dentistry