Cancer is a very serious illness that can strike at any age and any moment. In the United States, over 40,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer every year. If you begin to notice any irregularities in your oral health, get a checkup immediately, as the sooner cancer is detected the more likely you are to recover. Listed below are the most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer:
– Visible signs of bumps, lumps, rough spots, crusts, swelling, or eroded areas in your mouth.
– There are white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth.
– Bleeding often occurs from the mouth that is unusual and unexplained.
– Ear pain is felt, or there is numbness and loss of feeling in the mouth and areas around the face and neck.
– Sores in your mouth, neck, or face that do not heal after 2 weeks that continue to bleed easily.
– The feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat could be a sign of oral cancer.
– Various degrees of difficulty chewing, speaking, eating, or swallowing.
– A persistent sore throat or change in your voice that does not go away.
– Drastic weight loss could be a sign of cancer.
– Changes with your teeth’s alignment, including how well they align and how well you can open and close your mouth. This also includes dentures.
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, contact Dr. Tom G. Schleicher and our team at Thomas G. Schleicher, DDS PLC immediately. To schedule an oral exam at our dentist office in Colonial Heights, Virginia, please contact us at 804-526-0231. Visit us today, and your smile with thank you.