The best way to protect against cancer is to detect it early on and oral cancer is no exception to that. Diagnosing oral cancer with regular screenings is essential to prevention and treatment. When a patient comes in with symptoms of bleeding, pain, dysphagia or otalgia, we promptly assess the mouth, neck, and head for cancer. Dr. Salm thoroughly examines the mouth and neck for such cancers, which only takes a few minutes. This fast and simple exam is crucial to preventing cancer, treating, and curing early stage oral cancer.Every year roughly 37,000 American are diagnosed with oral cancer. Sadly, only 57% of them will be alive in 5 years. This is not because it is hard to detect, but people just aren’t examined for it. Oral cancer has a low survival rate because it is usually diagnosed in the later stages and is found after it has been metastasized. We screen for cancer each time you come in to get your teeth cleaned or when there is a full exam done, however if you notice any symptoms in between visits, they should not be ignored. You play the most essential role in detecting oral cancer early.Signs and SymptomsWhat to look for at home:
- A sore(s) that takes longer than 2-3 weeks to heal
- Red, white or blue patches
- Lumps or thickening in cheek
- Newly occurring numbness in the mouth
- Swelling that affects the fit of your dentures (not to be confused with a denture sore)
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Human Papilloma Virus
- Unknown (5%) — Genetics suspected
- Palpate lymphatic chains
- Examine lips (inside and out)
- Examine cheeks (inside and out)
- Examine tongue (underneath and on both sides)
- Examine bottom of mouth
- Examine soft palate
- Examine tonsils