At DDII, we are all about safeguarding your smile for life, and we thought it would be a good time to talk about mouth cancer since a lot of people know little about it, but it is really more prevalent than you would expect.
It is estimated that at least three people in Australia are diagnosed with mouth cancer each given day. Oral cancer survival rates continue to be low despite breakthroughs in therapy, and this might be linked to the fact that the disease is often detected at a later stage.
To improve one’s prognosis and results, it is essential to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with mouth cancer.
What exactly is mouth cancer?
The term “mouth cancer,” which is often referred to as “oral cancer” or “cancer of the oral cavity,” is frequently used to refer to a variety of tumours that originate in the oral cavity/mouth area.
These are most often seen on the lips, tongue, and floor of the mouth; however, they may also begin in the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tonsils, and salivary glands that are located in the mouth.
Mouth cancer may strike anybody, and the majority of oral malignancies can be treated if they are detected at an early stage. By ignoring telltale symptoms, neglecting our mouths, and failing to go in for regular checkups, we put ourselves in a position where we might potentially run into some difficulties.
How to identify mouth cancer?
We have a significantly higher chance of overcoming mouth cancer if we can detect it at an early stage.
With an early diagnosis, the chances of surviving mouth cancer are nine out of ten. These percentages are quite favourable, which is why it is so crucial to know what to watch out for when it comes to mouth cancer.
It is possible for cancer to develop in the mouth in a variety of locations, including the lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks.
Be mindful of your mouth and watch out for the following:
- Ulcers that do not cure within three days of appearance
- There are spots of red and white in the mouth.
- The mouth or the head and neck region may be affected by lumps or swellings.
Any of the above mentioned symptoms should prompt you to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
