How to Identify Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is also known as cancer of the mouth and may involve the lips, gums, tongue, palate and membranes lining the mouth cavity as well as the upper area of the throat at the back of the mouth. Cancer is caused by growth of malignant cells that multiply erratically, and whose direct cause is unknown.Oral cancer afflicts men and women and is generally seen in individuals over 40 years old, and especially those who chew tobacco. Risks of acquiring oral cancer increase with a family history of oral cancer, or severe periodontal disease. Again, those who chew smokeless tobacco put themselves at the greatest risk.Learning to identify the symptoms of oral cancer may increase chances of early treatment to help prevent more serious complications such as spread to lymph nodes, swallowing or speech problems.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Examine your mouth for signs of any lumps, which may be painless. The lumps appear to be a pale or whitish in color and are encircled by a hard rim or ridge. This is one of the first indications of abnormal cell growth.

2. Pay immediate attention to any lumps that are found in the mouth that grow larger and/or those that bleed easily. In some cases, this growth may become an open sore, much like a canker sore, but it does not heal.

3. Check your teeth and gums for abnormal signs of swelling, redness or lumps that don't go away within a few days. Older individuals who wear dentures may find that their dentures don't fit properly any more.

4. Be alert for signs of any lump that makes the tongue feel stiff or tingly. In such cases, the tongue may take on a life of its own and be difficult to control during talking or eating. In some cases, this symptom of a stiff tongue makes it difficult to swallow solid or liquid foods.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice any lumps in your mouth, schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible. Blood tests may be required, as may be a biopsy of the affected tissue to determine a cause and diagnosis.
• Left unchecked, oral cancer will spread to the lymph nodes and throughout the body. Recovery will depend on the location of the cancer (lips, tongue, cheeks) and overall general health of the individual. Early diagnosis will produce more favorable outcomes.

Resources

• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute

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