eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Recognize Signs of Oral Cancer

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

Successful treatment of oral cancer depends on early detection. These guidelines follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Be alert to sudden difficulty chewing or swallowing food.

  2. Step 2

    Note any stiffness in your tongue or jaw.

  3. Step 3

    Look for swellings or lumps in your mouth or throat, or on your lips or tongue.

  4. Step 4

    Check your mouth and lips for scaly white patches.

  5. Step 5

    Be alert to any repeated, unjustified bleeding in your mouth or any numbness or pain in your mouth or throat.

  6. Step 6

    Note red sores on your lips or gums or in your mouth. Sores that bleed easily and do not heal after several weeks could be a sign of cancer.

Tips & Warnings
  • Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms.
  • Smokers are at much greater risk of developing oral cancer than nonsmokers.
  • If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Health Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Live Strong Partner
Livestrong_eHow Health