How Do You Know If You Have Mouth Cancer ?

 By Melanie Comptois  |   Submitted On September 05, 2010

Many factors can be attributed to causing mouth cancer. Any form of tobacco use can be a source for developing mouth cancer. This includes all kinds of tobacco, whether it is smokeless or not. Those who consume alcoholic beverages are more likely to develop mouth cancer than those who do not indulge. Overexposure to the sun is also linked with this disease. A little more than one-fourth of those who contract this disease have never smoked. Mouth cancer can be diagnosed by a dentist. They will check your mouth, throat, and neck to see if there are any irregularities such as sores, lumps, or discolorations of any kind. Any of these may be a sign that the disease is beginning to develop. If the dentist finds anything that looks unhealthy they will do a biopsy to confirm or deny the presence of the disease.

Just because you develop a sore in the mouth area does not mean it is cancerous. However, routinely examining the mouth and lips will ensure that any new development can be checked on by a health care professional. By checking the lips, mouth, and gums thoroughly one time a month you can catch anything that appears suspicious early on. Early intervention is key to the chances of a positive recovery.If in the exams you give your mouth area you find any sort of discoloration. Also, be alert when any sores do develop. If they appear and are not cleared up within a week, see your dentist. Usually, non-cancerous sores will peak in a couple of days and then begin to lessen. They should be almost completely gone in a week or less.

Sometimes mouth cancer sores can be very small and hard to detect. Along with frequent self-examinations, you should be seen by a dentist at least once a year for people who are older than forty. Those who are between twenty and forty should have an oral exam at least once every three years. This will ensure the early detection of any irregularities that may arise. Along with mouth canker sores, there are several other symptoms associated with the disease that should signal time for a checkup. Red and white spots inside the mouth, mouth sores that bleed, or areas in or around the mouth that thicken up or swell for no reason may be signs that cancer is present. Difficulty moving any part of the mouth or throat including swallowing may be an indication of the presence of cancer. If any of these develop promptly see your dentist or oral hygienist.

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