Throughout the country, the highest number of cancer related deaths stem from oral cancer, and it’s the same with the city of Leeds. The problem being is that it is particularly difficult to spot in its early stages, hence it has time to develop without causing any pain or discomfort and is then usually spotted when it has moved into a different area. At this stage, the disease has got its claws in and becomes a lot more difficult to treat. It’s not always easy to pinpoint the causes of cancer as we are all very different from each other. But smoking, heavy drinking, exposure to sunlight stress and poor diet are thought to be the main players here. However, because of this awareness itself, it has been possible to pinpoint certain symptoms that have been linked to oral cancer and are considered to be an indication that it may be present. Some of the more common signs are trouble with swallowing, constant aching in the neck, the jaw and the ears, persistent mouth sores or ulcers and bad breath. If you have any these concerns, you should discuss them with your dentist straight away, who will then run a series of tests to see if there is a problem, and if so, then prepare you for a course of treatments, such as chemo or radiotherapy, or physical surgery, depending on the extent of the problem. Most of the people who overcome the disease, are those who are the most informed about what they are about to embark on, and so get in the best shape they can before the fight. One ray of light to add is that although oral cancer is on the increase, so are the success rates of beating it.
Tags: oral cancer
