Mouth Cancer

Unlike many other forms of cancer, mouth cancer can be detected easily in its early stages, due to its telltale visual signals that anyone can catch through regular self-exams. You should perform self-exams at least once each month, and the entire process takes only a few minutes. During the exam, pay attention the inside of your lips and gums, the roof of your mouth, the insides of your cheeks, and your tongue.

Using a bright light and a mirror, look for any white patches of tissue, known as eukoplakia; red patches, known as erythroplakia; multicolored patches; sores that are taking especially long to heal; lumps or especially think tisses; and chronic sores. Be sure to note if the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen or if you have any difficulty chewing.

 If any of these symptoms arise during your self-exam, be sure to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who is trained to detect signs of mouth cancer. The surgeon will be able to order a biopsy for any suspicious tissue, sending it to a pathology laboratory for microscopic inspection. Once the biopsy report is received, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be better prepared to diagnose the problem and forge a plan for treatment.

A number of factors contribute to the formation of mouth cancer, many of which are completely avoidable, such as the consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The heat from smoking can irritate the mouth and throat, leading to mouth cancer. Even the use of chewing tobacco, however, can raise your risk. Other common factors include poor hygiene, poor nutrition, chronic infections, and irritants, such as poorly fitted dentures.