Oral Cancer Awareness

Oral cancer is more common than many realize. Each year, around 49,750 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer. It claims the life of one person every hour, with approximately 132 new diagnoses daily. The positive news is that oral cancer can often be detected early through a simple, painless, and quick screening.

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Who Should Get Screened?

Every adult should consider getting screened for oral cancer. Early detection can identify the disease in its initial or even pre-cancerous stages. With early diagnosis, survival rates are significantly higher, and treatment side effects are minimized. Just like routine screenings for cervical, skin, prostate, colon, and breast cancers, oral cancer screenings are an important part of preventive healthcare. Make it part of your annual check-up.

An oral cancer screening should be conducted every year. Call (305) 823-7521 to schedule your complimentary screening.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

There are two primary pathways that lead to oral cancer. The first is the traditional risk from long-term use of tobacco and alcohol. The second is exposure to the human papilloma virus, specifically HPV16. This virus is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. and is also responsible for the majority of cervical cancers in women. The fastest-growing group affected by oral cancer includes young, healthy, non-smoking individuals, due to this viral connection.

An oral cancer screening should be conducted every year. Call (305) 823-7521 to schedule your complimentary screening.

Oral Cancer Indicators

Early Indicators:

  • Red and/or white discolorations of the soft tissues in the mouth
  • Any sore that does not heal within 14 days
  • Persistent hoarseness

Advanced Indicators:

  • Feeling like something is stuck in the throat
  • Numbness in the mouth or face
  • Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Ear pain on one side only
  • A sore under a denture that doesn’t heal, even after adjustment
  • A lump or thickening in the mouth or neck

An oral cancer screening should be conducted every year. Call (305) 823-7521 to schedule your complimentary screening.