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Oral Cancer
During every dental examination carried out at Delaney's, we will routinely check you for oral cancer along with other oral diseases. Even if you don't have teeth, if is important to have regular checks. Early detection of oral cancer is a key factor for patient survival. At Delaney's we wish to raise awareness of the disease and its risk factors.
Risk Factors
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and marijuana
- Chewing smokeless tobacco
- Exposure to the human papilloma virus (oral sex)
- Alcohol use
- Combination of alcohol and cigarette consumption increases risk even further
- Exposure to the sun may increase risk of lip cancer
Symptoms
Symptoms can include the following:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that isn't healing
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- A lump in the mouth or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue
- Persistent sore throat and hoarseness
- Persistent nosebleeds and stuffy nose
- Unexplained loose teeth
However, these symptoms can be due to problems other than cancer but if they remain for more than three weeks, it is vital to visit your dentist or doctor.
Prevention
- Stop smoking.
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Use lip balm that contains sunblock.
- Eat a healthy diet with at least five servings of fruit and vegetables.
- Check your own mouth regularly.
- Be aware of changes.
- Visit your dentist regularly even if you don't have teeth and wear dentures.
If you are concerned at all, please contact us at Delaney's for a check-up.
For more information. visit Mouth Cancer Awareness or Quit.ie