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Oral cancer is an issue many people overlook, which is why it often goes undiagnosed. Screenings from an oral surgeon should be a part of your regular health regimen as it’s much easier to resolve when caught early. If you’re overdue for an exam or have yet to schedule one follow these prevention tips to increase your chances of staying cancer-free.

Your Guide to Oral Cancer

Signs & Symptoms

There are over 50,000 new oral cancer each year. Although it’s advised that screenings start around 18 years old, the average diagnosis age is 62. Oral cancer can manifest in the gums, lips, tongue, and inner cheek as well as the roof and floor of the mouth. Common symptoms include small sores that won’t heal, loose teeth, general pain, difficulty swallowing, and a white or reddish patch in the mouth.

Importance of Screenings

oral surgeonYour dentist or oral surgeon will take a full survey of your mouth during a screening, and they’ll schedule third-party testing if anything looks cancerous. Fortunately, some suspicions turn out to be sores or an unrelated issue; however, they’ll move forward with imaging tests and treatment options if it’s more serious.

If there’s a growth, an oral surgeon will remove the tumor, and some reconstruction may be required. Chemotherapy and radiation and targeted drug therapy are also effective treatment options. Catching cancer early is imperative because it could spread to the throat and lymph nodes, making it more difficult to remedy.

Prevention

While there’s no definite way to prevent oral cancer, you can remove risk factors. It’s wise to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising 30 minutes each day and eating a well-balanced diet. Discontinue smoking and oral/chewing tobacco. as well as known carcinogens like betel nut.  Make these lifestyle changes and schedule regular oral cancer screenings as advised by your dentist or oral surgeon.

 

If you’re overdue for an oral cancer exam, turn to the experienced team at the office of Lyle C. Yanagihara DDS, MS, in Honolulu, HI. This skilled oral surgeon offers a wide range of services, including general oral pathology and reconstructive surgery as well as procedures for dental implants and tooth extraction. Call (808) 973-1433 to schedule an appointment, or learn more about new patient registration online.

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