Even though they are incorrect scientifically, some widely accepted theories about how cancer develops and spreads can seem logical on the surface. Regardless, false assumptions about cancer can cause unnecessary anxiety and even thwart wise prevention and therapy choices. You can find the five most common myths about oral cancer before visiting an oral cancer screening near you.
One of the most overlooked types of cancer is oral cancer. Patients frequently believe that they are protected from developing mouth cancer if they don't use tobacco products. You might be shocked to discover that this illness affects a variety of people, though. To tell the facts, one must have a thorough understanding of what exactly is oral cancer.
The top five myths you might encounter the most during oral cancer screening are busted.
1. Symptoms of Oral Cancer Are Obvious
Oral cancer can be quite hard to find. It frequently begins as a small, harmless sore or lump that is easy to ignore. Typically, the tonsils, the base of the tongue, the lymph nodes, and the walls of your mouth are among the difficult-to-see places that oral and mouth cancer can embody.
You should be on the guard for the following symptoms:
- Hoarseness or trouble speaking
- Unhealed sores or lumps on your lips or gums
- Red or white patches on your tonsils, gums, or tongue
- Unexpected bleeding in the mouth a sensation that something is trapped in the throat,
- Difficulty swallowing
2. You Cannot Prevent Oral Cancer
There are some things you can do to reduce your risk, even though there is no guaranteed method to prevent any cancer. It's possible that never smoking is the most important step in avoiding mouth or oral cancer. It's a good idea to stop smoking if you already do. Avoid using any kind of tobacco, especially smoking tobacco.
Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, cut down on alcohol use, and limit sun exposure to your lips to lower your risk of getting oral cancer.
3. Only smokers Get Oral Cancer
One of the most pervasive misconceptions about mouth cancer is that it only affects smokers and nicotine addicts. Smoking and nicotine use are two variables that can lead to oral cancer, but they are not the only ones.
You're more likely to develop mouth cancer if you smoke. Additionally, drinking alcohol greatly raises your chance. Although genetics may influence the prognosis, oral cancer is not a given for everyone.
4. Only Affects the Old
It is uncommon to find oral cancer in a person under the age of 40 because the disease usually affects adults. Even medical experts occasionally question whether a person in their 20s or 30s could have cancer. There are always outliers, though. Because of this, it's imperative to have anything unusual investigated at any age, even if you feel young and healthy.
5. Only High-risk Patients Are Screened
Any comprehensive adult dental exam should include a stage for tongue and mouth cancer screening.
Your pharynx, lymph glands, mouth, and tongue can all be checked by a dentist or dental hygienist for sores, lumps, or discoloration. Radiation is not used in this non-invasive examination. If the screener discovers any indications of oral cancer, they can perform a biopsy, or, if they don't provide those services, they will send it to an expert.
Signs Of Oral Cancer
As was already stated, mouth cancer rarely hurts. Typically, abnormal cell growth manifests as flat areas that resemble ulcers or canker sores. The following are typical warning symptoms of oral cancer:
- Gums, tongues, tonsils, or the inside of the mouth may develop white or red spots.
- A persistent hoarseness
- Loosening of the permanent teeth
- An earache
- A challenge or discomfort when chewing or swallowing
- A growth or lump inside your pharynx
Persistent mouth odour
- Unaccounted-for weight reduction
- Having trouble moving the mouth or jaw
- Mouth sores that won't go
What Are Mouth Cancer Treatments?
Although it is a severe condition, oral or mouth cancer is one of the most easily treated cancers if detected early. Most people believe that mouth cancer always results in death. Thankfully, this is untrue. About 83% of people who are identified with early-stage oral cancer survive. Therefore, if you are told that you have mouth cancer, do not give up. You have a good shot of beating it. Don't let false information about oral cancer keep you from having the necessary screenings.
Speak to a skilled oncologist if you are concerned about your chances. Our dentist in Pompano Beach will assess your health and provide the best oral cancer treatment.
Because oral cancer is just as deadly as other cancers, it's critical to look out for early indicators and undergo routine screenings. Contact a dentist near you to arrange an examination with the help of highly qualified staff members if you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of oral cancer.
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