Oral Cancer Awareness Month

November is Mouth Cancer Awareness Month.

What is Mouth or Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth. It is a type of head and neck cancer and is often treated similarly to other head and neck cancers. Oral cancer can occur on:

• The lips
• The inside lining of the cheeks
• The teeth
• The gums
• The bottom of the mouth, under the tongue
• The hard and soft palate
• The tongue

It's part of a larger group of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Oropharyngeal cancer refers to cancers that develop in the throat (oropharynx).

• Symptoms of oral cancer can include
• Persistent sores or white/red patches that don't heal within two weeks
• Lump or swelling in the mouth as well as jaw or neck that lasts for more than 3 weeks
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness lasting longer than six weeks
• Difficulty in swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Sensation as if something is stuck in your throat
• Numbness, tenderness, or pain in your mouth, lips, or face.

Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of oral cancer. Regular dental visits can help in early detection, as dentists can often spot the early stages of oral cancer.

Contact us if you suspect or have any of the above symptoms at Seattle Dental Care - Biological Dentist, Seattle, WA  (206)728 -1330.