Did you know oral cancer claims nearly one life every hour in the United States? It is especially a severe condition in Rancho, San Diego, an East county region of California. However, a dentist in Rancho San Diego can help you detect your symptoms with simple screening and guidance. And the sooner you detect your cancer, the more successful you will be at curing it before it spreads in your mouth completely.
Seven Signs and Oral Cancer Symptoms –
- Oral ulcers that do not go better in two weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums or tongue
- Lumps in the mouth or on your neck
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing
- Losing teeth
- Unexplained numbness in the mouth or on your face
It is important to visit a professional rather than self-diagnosing.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Before you take preventive measures, it is essential to understand the risk factors. So, what exactly are the contributors to your oral cancer?
- Tobacco use in all forms – especially the chewing one
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Recent studies suggest HPV infection may also be a risk factor.
Preventing Oral Cancer
The simplest but, unfortunately, the most difficult step to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer is limiting the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. (Most doctors recommend quitting tobacco altogether.) In addition, incorporating a healthy diet rich in fruits and leafy vegetables can also be beneficial. Most importantly, regular dental checkups are vital. During routine exams, dentists can screen for oral cancer. By scheduling these appointments, you are giving yourself the best chance for early detection.
When to See a Doctor? (Understanding the Mouth Cancer)
Can you die from mouth cancer? Unfortunately, yes. However, detecting your symptoms earlier can increase the chances of successful treatment. Is oral cancer curable? The earlier it is caught, the better. Treatment options for curing oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and medication.
What is Stage 4 mouth cancer?
Different stages of cancer refer to how critical your condition is – the fourth being the life-threatening one. This is why the earlier you can detect your cancer symptoms, the higher your chances of coming back to life are.
The sooner you detect your mouth danger, the better!
Keeping track of your symptoms will save you before it gets out of control. That is because the sooner you detect risk factors, the easier it is for the doctor to cure oral cancer without damaging your mouth.
