Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation states that 40,000 people will be diagnosed with an oral cancer this year.  Oral cancer is not rare.....100 new people in the United States will be diagnosed everyday,and that one person every hour of the day will die from it. 


Risk Factors
Smoking
Alcohol 
Sexually transmitted virus(HPV)- This is actually the biggest risk factor


Symptoms
A painless lump on the lip,in the mouth or throat
A sore on the lip,or inside the mouth that does not heal
A painless white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
Pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing
Swelling of the jaw
Discolored lesions on the border of the tongue



If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you may want to make an appointment with a health professional for a definitive diagnosis.

Cancers of the mouth and throat are often found during routine dental appointments. At Dr. Smyth's office our hygienists preform oral cancer screenings at your routine check up appointments. If you should have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, Dr. Smyth and Dr. Abernethy would be more than happy to speak with you.




Sources:
The Oral Cancer Foundation
emedicine