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Listen up! Your dentist now has good news about progress against cancer. It is now easier than ever to detect oral caner early, when the opportunity for a cure is great. Only about half of all patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive more than five years. If not diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer can be fatal. With the proper skills and tools, your dentist in Cape Coral and Ft. Myers, FL can help to ensure that early signs of cancer and precancerous conditions are identified. You and your dentist can fight and win the battle against oral cancer by knowing the early signs and when to seek care. Causes of Oral Cancer There are numerous risk factors involved in developing cancer with the most typical being smoking. Smokers are up to six times more likely to develop cancer of the mouth and similarly, those who use smokeless tobacco such as snuff are at an even greater risk of developing oral cancer in the lining of the lips and the gums. Alcohol can also increase your risk of developing oral cancer and so can excessive exposure to sunlight at a young age. Additionally, you are at an increased risk of developing cancer if it runs in your family, as there is a strong genetic factor involved. What are the Signs and Symptoms? A majority of patients with oral cancer commonly experience swelling and lumps inside their mouth or on the lips and gums. These may also appear as crusts, eroded patches and rough spots. Bleeding may occur for no reason and red or white patches in your mouth may develop. Frequently, a loss in sensitivity is experienced in your mouth, face or neck and sores appear in similar areas as well. The sores bleed often and remain present for an extended period of time. Oral cancer may often begin with an asymptomatic stage during which symptoms may not be obvious and is often painless initially making it difficult to detect. Signs of Oral Cancer May Include:
* A change in the way the teeth fit together
* A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
* A color change of the oral tissues
* A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
* Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
* Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue These signs do not necessarily signify cancer; they may be associated with early signs of cancer. Since oral cancer treatment is usually successful when performed in the early stages, any abnormal change in the mouth, gums, tongue or surrounding area should be evaluated by a dental professional immediately. Treatment and Prevention After a diagnosis from your dentist, a biopsy of the lesion is required to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery may be required, as well, to remove the tumors, which may cause disfiguration. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used as part of the treatment. In the end, your dentist will develop an oral cancer treatment plan based on the supporting diagnostic tests. You can take an active role in preventing and detecting oral cancer: * Avoid tobacco products
* Drink alcohol in moderation
* Eat a well-balanced diet
* Limit sun exposure and wear protective lotions, remembering to apply it to the lips
* Conduct a self-exam at least once a month
* Visit Dr. Martinez for regular check-ups and cleanings. Oral cancer screenings, as recommended by the American Cancer Society, should take place every three years for people over the age of 20 and annually for those over age 40. Since symptoms associated with oral cancer may be confused with other medical conditions, self-examinations should not replace seeing a dentist for oral care maintenance at least twice a year. When used in conjunction, periodic self-examination and regular dental hygiene visits can help promote early-stage detection of oral cancer. And remember, it is always best to see your dentist in Cape Coral to properly evaluate your symptoms.
Dr. Martinez, Cape Coral and Ft. Myers, FL dentist, earned his Doctor of Medical Dentistry Degree from the University of Florida in 2003. He is a progressive dentist who is constantly striving to improve his dental education and skills so he can deliver the best and latest that modern dentistry has to offer. Dr. Martinez specializes in Cape Coral and Ft. Myers neuromuscular, and veneers.
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