Oral cancer is a serious disease that more commonly affects older patients. Still, younger adults — even those in the 20s — can have the condition. There are some risk factors that could make you more prone to the disease, so it is important to be aware of what can cause oral cancer.
Cancer of the mouth can affect all parts of this region, including your tonsils and tongue. Even if you have dentures, you should be aware of your oral health and watch for signs of concern. Visiting your family dentist regularly and maintaining good habits can keep the disease away.
Oral cancer is characterized by red and white patches on the mouth lining or tongue. People with this condition may also have mouth ulcers that do not go away. Lumps thickening in the skin are also common.
Oral cancer can also cause jaw pain or stiffness, sore throat and pain while swallowing. There can also be persistent difficulty in swallowing. People who have some or all of these symptoms do not necessarily have cancer, although it is a good idea to express concerns with a doctor or general dentist.
People who think they might have oral cancer can have a doctor screen them for the condition. This can either relieve the person’s worries or confirm suspicions and help the individual make a treatment plan. In the screening, the doctor or general dentist will carefully examine the patient’s gums and look for sores or lumps. The medical professional will also examine the tongue, tonsils and other tissues in the mouth.
If a person wears dentures, there is still an important need to visit the dentist regularly for checkups. Good dental care involves more than just maintaining the health of the teeth. Patients should also pay attention to the gums and other areas of the mouth.
People with dentures can still have cancer of the mouth. In a screening, the doctor or dentist will use the same process. The only difference is that the patient will remove the dentures, so the medical professional can see all the tissue.
If the doctor is worried about anything from the screening, there will be a follow-up appointment a few weeks later. The doctor will again check the mouth and focus on the areas where there are signs of cancer. If the sores and lumps are still there, the doctor will order a biopsy. With this procedure, the doctor will take a cell sample and send it to a lab for further analysis.
If you wear dentures, it is still important for you to avoid the same things that could cause oral cancer in patients who have natural teeth. Consuming tobacco and alcohol, along with exposure to the sun, can increase your risk of getting the disease. It is a smart idea to have a doctor or dentist screen you for the condition if you believe you are at risk. Call your doctor today if you are interested in this procedure.
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