Beginning Stages of Mouth Cancer
According to the Oral Cancer Facts website, oral cancer strikes thousands alone in the United States per year. Learn the beginning stages of mouth cancer and help keep yourself healthy.
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Statistics
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In the U.S, there are 12,500 deaths per year from oral cancer. As far as cancers go, there is not much buzz generated about oral cancer. People hear much more about a diagnosis like colon cancer than oral cancer. However, oral cancer is a real concern, having a high death rate and early onset signs that are hard to diagnose.
Overlapping Symptoms
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Oral cancer is in a group of cancers called head and neck cancers. It is not unusual to have oral cancer and actually have symptoms associated with the throat as well. Most oral cancer begins in cells that cover the surface of the lips, tongue and mouth. As the cancer spreads, it will invade the lymphatic system. A gathering of lymph nodes are centered right in the neck region. This is why symptoms for neck and oral cancer often overlap.
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Causes
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Before delving into the symptoms of mouth cancer, it might be helpful to review how one can contract oral cancer. Use of tobacco accounts for most cases of oral cancer and this does not just include "dipping" tobacco, but also regular smoking of cigars and cigarettes, as well as using a pipe. Those who drink alcohol run a greater risk of oral cancer than those who don't drink. If you both smoke and drink, then your chances of contracting oral cancer go up significantly. Exposure to the sun may also cause lip cancer to start. Also, those with a family history of neck and oral cancer are at risk as well.
Early Signs
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Early signs of mouth cancer are as follows: sores in the mouth that never heal, the mouth or neck region taking on "blowfish" or puffy appearance, trouble swallowing, a sensation of something being stuck in the throat or not being able to talk correctly, hoarse throat, pain in ears, the tongue or other areas of the mouth feel numb, and certain areas in the mouth or lips are different colors.
Getting Help
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If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your doctor. Early diagnosis is the best step in fighting off the cancer. The longer you let your symptoms go, the worse your final prognosis. Please keep in step with your health and learn to recognize the signs of illness in your body before it becomes too late.
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Resources
- Photo Credit "Talking Mouth," istockphoto.com
