Oral cancer is becoming increasingly common in the UK, yet many people are still unaware of the warning signs and symptoms. As a result of this, many cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment has a much lower chance of success. At Liverpool Dental Spa, we’re keen to do our bit to raise awareness of oral cancer, and encourage our patients to be mouth aware.
The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a form of cancer that affects the soft tissue in the mouth and throat. The most common warning signs include:
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Abnormal swelling
- Lumps
- Difficult swallowing
- Unexplained pain
- Ulcers that take a long time to heal (longer than 2 weeks)
- A persistent sore throat
Oral Cancer Screening
It can often be difficult to detect the signs of oral cancer, and many people will ignore them without being aware that they may be linked to mouth cancer. Oral cancer screening is a way of spotting signs before they become apparent. Our dentists are trained to detect early warning signs, and they include oral cancer screening as part of a routine check-up.
If there are problems, further tests can be arranged. The earlier oral cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chance of survival. In some cases, early detection and treatment can increase survival chances by up to 90 percent.
If you haven’t been to the dentist for a while, we strongly encourage you to call and make an appointment for a routine check. It’ll take just a few minutes, and it could even save your life!
What Causes Oral Cancer?
In many cases of cancer, there is no clear cause. However, with oral cancer, there are risk factors. The most significant risk factor is smoking. Additional risk factors include drinking alcohol excessively and a poor diet. There is also evidence to suggest that HPV infection may increase the risk of oral cancer.
