What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a head and neck cancer which occurs mostly in people aged 40-60, though it can strike at any age. Signals of mouth cancer may include lumps, bumps or knobs of cancerous tissue in the oral cavity, mouth lesions that don’t get better, and loose teeth. Every check-in with our team includes a screening, but the following are some more things you should know about oral cancer.

Most importantly, you should recognize the risk factors for oral cancer. The most serious risk factors of mouth cancer are tobacco and alcohol use. If you use tobacco or drink alcohol and are between 40 and 60 years old, give everything you have to eliminating these habits; it could save your oral health! Other risk factors include human papillomavirus (HPV), excess sun exposure to the lips and weakened immune systems.

Of course, you should visit a professional dental practitioner if you are suspicious that you have oral cancer or if you have many of the aforementioned risk factors, but there are a few things you can do by yourself. Using a mirror, pull apart your cheeks and inspect your mouth’s roof, cheeks, gums, floor, tongue, and throat; see if you can find any lumps, bumps or knobs. You can also inspect your jaw and neck for any knobs.

Ready for your next oral cancer screening? When you visit our Mansfield, Texas, office, our dentist will inspect your mouth and neck for oral cancer. Please give us a call now at 817-453-7766 to schedule your next appointment. Dr. Daniela Zambon and our team at Daniela A. Zambon, DDS, MS, PC will be excited to see you!