Archive for the ‘oral cancer’ Category

City of Leeds dentist diagnoses oral cancer early at six-month check up

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

One of the most serious oral conditions that can occur is oral cancer. The survival rate for oral cancer if diagnosed early is quite high but it can be fatal in cases where it is not spotted soon enough and allowed to develop. The dentist plays a crucial part in spotting the first signs and symptoms of oral cancer, which include small white and red patches on the soft tissue that don’t go away naturally.

Oral cancer is twice as likely to affect men than women and certain other factors such as smoking and drinking can also increase the chances of contracting the disease. However, despite certain factors making oral cancer more likely it must be remembered that nearly a quarter of all cases affect people with none of the high risk factors.

Amongst the other symptoms of oral cancer are small swellings like little bumps or rusty spots on the inside of the mouth. Any unexplained bleeding in the mouth or sudden weight loss could also be signs of oral cancer so they are always worth having examined at a City of Leeds dentist. Any difficulty experienced when eating or drinking due to pain or soreness can also be indicative of the early signs of oral cancer.

To prevent oral cancer, try and eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid dangerous substances like alcohol and tobacco. Examine your mouth once a month both in a mirror and with your finger to feel for any bumps or patches. And always remember to see your dentist at least once every six months.

Defend against oral cancer with check ups at Leeds dentist

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Oral cancer is considered to be any cancer that is located in the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue and throat. It is usually manifested as sores on the tissue that don’t disappear naturally after a couple of weeks and can be life threatening if not caught early enough.

The most common symptoms of oral cancer are small swellings, lumps or sore spots on the lips or soft tissue of the mouth. These spots can often become velvety red, white or speckled spots after some time and do not disappear naturally. There are a number of other symptoms of oral cancer including unexplained bleeding of the gums, numbness or pain in the face or neck or difficulty chewing or swallowing. If you notice any of these symptoms or anything else that is not normal in your mouth, then you should make an appointment with a Leeds dentist immediately.

Oral cancer can affect anybody at any time but there are some factors that make certain people more at risk than others. Men are twice as likely to have oral cancer as women and this disparity increases after the age of 50. Smokers or users of any kind of tobacco product are a massive six times more likely to develop oral cancer. Alcohol consumption also has strong links to oral cancer, with similar statistics to tobacco use among heavy drinkers. Other risk factors include excessive sun exposure and a family history of the condition.

Oral cancer is more often than not diagnosed by your dentist so it is important to keep up regular check ups. A dentist will usually carry out a check for oral cancer as part of any routine check up and can take a swab biopsy of any suspicious looking lumps or swelling. If the spots are particularly dangerous looking, the dentist can perform a scalpel biopsy under a local anaesthetic. Oral cancers are usually treated with the removal of the growth and then radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the nature of the cancer.

Leeds dentist spots early symptoms of oral cancer

Friday, October 30th, 2009

Oral cancer is a particularly virulent form of cancer that if not caught early can be fatal. Patients who catch the disease early stand an 80 per cent chance or greater of making a full recovery so it is vital that if you are suffering from any suspicious sores in the mouth you contact a dentist as soon as possible. It is also important that you keep up regular six-month appointments with your dentist as they are trained to spot the early signs of oral cancer.

Oral cancer usually appears as sores on the inside lining of the mouth. These sores resemble mouth ulcers but they don’t disappear after two weeks or less. Oral cancers include all cancers that occur in the oral cavity, including cancer of the tongue, throat and lips.

There are certain risk factors that make people more likely to develop oral cancer. Being a man makes you twice as likely to develop oral cancer as a woman. Patients who drink or smoke excessively are also at high risk of developing the disease, with smokers in particular being 600 times more likely to suffer from oral cancer. However, it is important to remember that even the most abstemious of people, who neither smoke nor drink alcohol, are still at risk from oral cancer.

The sores are usually white or red patches that are sore to the touch and very sensitive to hot or cold food and drink. These sores can be very painful and make it very difficult to carry out every day activities. Another tell tale sign of oral cancer is unexplained bleeding of the mouth lining or gums. Another signal that you may be suffering form oral cancer is a sudden and unexplained weight loss.

There are more symptoms and they can vary with each individual patient, so it is important to visit a dentist if you are experiencing any unusual pain in the oral cavity. Dentists will be able to take a painless brush biopsy to determine if there are any cancerous cells in the mouth. Dentists are also well trained in spotting the symptoms of all forms of oral cancer. Early detection by a Leeds dentist could save your life so if you suspect oral cancer, make an appointment with a Leeds dentist as soon as possible.

Leeds dentist examines patient for oral cancer as part of routine check up

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Oral cancers can be very aggressive, so early detection is vital to successful treatment. You are twice as likely to suffer from oral cancer if you are a man, with men over the age of 45 being particularly at risk. Lifestyle choices also play a significant part in increasing chances of oral cancer, with smokers being a massive 600 times more likely to contract oral cancer than non-smokers. The links between oral cancer and alcohol consumption are also very strong, especially when consumption is higher than the recommended weekly amount. However, it is still important to remember that even no-smokers and lifetime teetotalers are at risk from oral cancer.

The first sign of oral cancer is usually a sore or sores on the lining of the mouth. The sores are similar to mouth ulcers that do not disappear of their own accord after a week or so. If you have long-term sores in your mouth, or even a recurring sore in the same place, it is advisable to make an appointment with a Leeds dentist to have them examined.

The sores will usually appear as red or white patches and may be accompanied by bleeding of the lining of the mouth or gums. These sores can make it very painful to carry out everyday activities like eating or drinking, and swelling of the soft tissue around the sores can also be very painful. A sudden, or unexplained weight loss may also be a tell tale sign of oral cancer.

Oral cancers can affect all parts of the mouth, throat and tongue and is life-threatening if not treated in time, so always visit a dentist if you are unsure. They can take a simple brush biopsy as part of your regular check up that will not be painful. If oral cancer is caught at an early stage patients stand a greater than 80 per cent chance of successfully treating it and making a full recovery.

Leeds city centre practice can check for oral cancer

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Regular visits to your dentist will not only ensure you have healthy teeth and gums but can also save your life. It is a sad fact that oral cancer is on the increase escpecially in patients who drink and smoke.  The good news is that if detected early oral cancer can be treated very successfully.  During dental check ups your dentist should examine your gums and soft tissues for any abnormal lumps or ulcers and also give you any advice regarding preventative measures against oral cancer. If you would like a dental check up and oral cancer screening then call the practice on 01132454868.