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.
Tags: oral cancer
