According to the Canadian Cancer Society, over 1000 Canadians died from oral cavity cancer in the year 2018. Oral cancer can affect your gums, tongue, teeth, tissues, and lips. This disease is extremely curable when detected at an early stage.
Unfortunately, oral cancer is most often discovered once it’s spread to the lymph nodes of the neck. Preventive dentistry can ensure cancerous lesions are identified and treated before conditions worsen. It is essential to visit a dental clinic near you for an oral cancer screening in Millwoods. With that said, it is also helpful for you to learn the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. If you notice any of the symptoms listed below, be sure to visit your dentist immediately for an evaluation.
White Patches
Leukoplakia or keratosis refers to a white or gray-looking patch in your mouth or on your lips. Patches will gradually develop over several weeks or months. You may be at risk for these patches if you:
- Have a rough tooth
- A broken denture
- Smoke
- Bite your cheeks or lips
A Problematic Patch
Your mouth, tongue, and lips are covered in flat cells, which are called squamous cells. In most cases, mouth cancers begin in these cells. If you notice a patch on your tongue, gums, tonsils or the lining of your mouth schedule an appointment with your dental clinic in Millwoods. Oral cancer may present itself in different ways, in terms of the way it looks and feels. For example, your skin may feel thick or nodular, or there may be an ulcer. With that said, noncancerous lesions will dissipate in a few weeks. The only way to identify cancerous lesions is by visiting your dentist.
Red Patches
Erythroplakia refers to bright red precancerous cells that have a velvety texture. 75 to 90 percent of cases of erythroplakia are cancerous, which means if you notice coloured spots in your mouth, they should be taken seriously. Be sure to visit your dental office in Millwoods. Your dentist will perform a biopsy of these cells and devise a treatment plan.
Visit your dentist in Millwoods for an oral cancer screening regularly. Pay attention to your mouth and check for signs and symptoms and be sure to report any findings to your dentist.