There has been increasing coverage in the news of various cancers, their growth and potential treatment options. Unfortunately, cancer can also affect the oral tissues.

Cancer implies the growth of cells that cause damage to surrounding cells at an uncontrollable rate. Oral cancer can affect any tissue in the mouth from the tongue, lips, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, palate and throat.

If oral cancer is caught early, the survival rate of oral cancers is around 84%. However, when oral cancer is caught at a late stage, the survival rate drops to around 65% since cancer has likely spread to other tissues. That’s why you must see your dentist routinely to check for oral cancer, in addition to the self-checks and monitoring that you can perform at home.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer 

  • Lumps or bumps 
  • Thickened oral tissue 
  • White, red or cream-coloured lesions 
  • Lesions that don’t heal after a few weeks 
  • Rough or scaly spots 
  • Tingling or numbness in any place in the mouth or face 
  • Sore throat, or the feeling of something caught in the throat that doesn’t go away
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking 

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer 

  • Men have twice as high a risk of developing oral cancer as women 
  • Age, people who are 50+ years old 
  • Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars puts a person at a six times greater risk 
  • Smokeless tobacco often called dip, placed in the cheek lining puts a person at a fifty times greater risk 
  • Regular alcohol consumption
  • Excessive sun exposure 
  • Family history of oral cancer 
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer  

It is essential to be in charge of your health. Monitor your oral tissues routinely, and assess for any changes. This is particularly important if you fall into a higher risk category. When you see your dentist and dental hygienist, they will also perform a check-up exam of all your oral tissues. If there is questionable-looking tissue, the area will be biopsied, which means that a small area of cells will be collected to check for the presence of cancer cells. Oral cancer is treated with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery to remove the cells, depending on the size, spread, and location. 

Prevention of Oral Cancer 

  • Quit smoking and the use of tobacco products 
  • Reduce alcohol consumption 
  • Reduce time in the sun and apply sunblock if possible
  • Perform regular self-checks at home
  • See your dental professional routinely 

If you have any questions about oral cancer or are concerned that you may have signs of oral cancer, we encourage you to contact us today to book an appointment immediately

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Monday9AM - 7PM
Tuesday10AM - 7PM
Wednesday9AM - 6PM
Thursday10AM - 8PM
FridayBy Appt.
Saturday9AM - 3PM
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3052 Elmcreek Rd, Unit 104
Mississauga, ON, L5B 0B6
(At Mavis Rd & Dundas St in the Superstore plaza)

CALL US NOW: 905-306-7770

Email: info@elmcreekdentalcare.com

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