Oral Cancer

Signs of Oral Cancer

The possibilities of a cure rise with early detection. Therefore, there should be a continuous self-evaluation whenever possible, and one must not hesitate consulting a specialist if there is the slightest doubt.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of oral cancer:

• Swelling or thickening, lumps or bumps, or rough spots or eroded areas on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth
• Velvety white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained numbness or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
• Soreness in the back of the throat
• Difficulty in chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or changes in the voice
• Dramatic weight loss

While many types of cancers may occur due to reasons that are still not fully understood, there are certain activities we do know increase our potential risk.

Factors that increase our risk of developing oral cancers include:

• Smoking - Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancers than nonsmokers.
• Use of snuff or chewing tobacco increases the risk of cancers of the cheek, gums and lining of the lips by about 50 times.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
• Excessive exposure to the sun -- especially at a young age.

Cancer of the oral cavity is treated with surgery to remove the cancerous growth, followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy (drug treatments) to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. Surgery is a common treatment to remove tumors in the mouth or throat.

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) is used as a stand alone treatment for small tumors or for patients who cannot have surgery. It may also be used before surgery to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor, and after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may remain in the area.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, and is usually given by injection.

Hope is at Hand

New advancements in medicine have led to better recovery rates for patients who suffer from throat cancer, lip cancer, mouth cancer, tongue cancer and cancer of gums and salivary glands. More than ever, early detection and proper management is the key to a successful recovery.

For a complimentary examination appointment to determine whether you display any oral cancer syptoms and, if so, what treatment might be right for you, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch