What Are The Symptoms Of Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a seriously debilitating and life threatening disease that can form in many areas of the mouth. Found in the mouth or on the lips, tongue, cheeks, pharynx or sinuses, this disease, if caught early, is often treatable. Knowing the early signs and symptoms is imperative in successfully beating this disease.

What are the risk factors?

The leading cause of most oral cancers is the use of tobacco products. Any person that smokes cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco is at an increased risk. Those that use smokeless tobacco, such as snuff, dip or chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop mouth cancer. Alcohol abuse, excessive exposure to the sun and a family history of oral cancer also elevate a persons' chances for developing this disease.

What are the symptoms?

The first sign of mouth cancer is the development of rough patches, lumps and bumps inside the mouth. Unexplained bleeding and patches with spotted red or white coloring are also reasons for concern. If numbness or tenderness occurs in the surrounding areas of the mouth, or if sores do not heal within 2 weeks of detection it is definitely time to consult a doctor.

Over thirty-five thousand people in the United States are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. Men and women both fall victim to this disease, but men are two times more likely to develop it than women. Men over the age of fifty are at greatest risk. Oral cancer is often diagnosed during a routine dental examination, but anyone displaying signs and symptoms should consult a doctor immediately. A simple brush biposy is easily performed, and can quickly inform a patient whether he/she has mouth cancer. The sooner the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin.

Men over the age of 50 are at greatest risk