Unless it’s diagnosed by a dentist, oral cancer often goes undetected until it spreads to the rest of your body. This is why routine oral cancer screenings are so important. Contact us now to get a consultation at our office!
The most common sign of oral cancer is changes in your oral tissue, such as rough spots, lumps and bumps, swellings, thickenings, or discolored patches of skin and tissue on your lips, gums, and in other areas of your mouth.
You may also notice persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that may easily bleed and do not heal within 2 weeks. Some people may also experience a sore throat and hoarseness, chronic ear pain, difficulty chewing and swallowing, or changes in how their teeth fit together.
Even if Dr. Bailey does notice some abnormalities in your mouth, this does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. She will need to send a biopsy for evaluation and to confirm whether or not cancerous cells are present.
If you do test positive for oral cancer, you will be referred to a medical oncologist (cancer specialist) who will help you explore your options for treatment including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
The good news is that, if a dentist identifies your oral cancer early, it probably has not spread to the rest of your body. When caught early, the prognosis for oral cancer is very good.