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Q: What are some of the warning signs of oral cancer?
A: Oral cancer will likely kill some 7,500 Americans this year. Here are some
of the symptoms of the disease: a sore in the mouth that will not heal and
bleeds easily. Difficulty chewing or swallowing food. A white or red patch
in the mouth that will not go away. A lump or soreness in the mouth, throat,
tongue or neck. Frequent bleeding in the mouth. Loose teeth. An earache.
The possibility of oral cancer is just one reason why regular visits to your
dentist are so important. Your dentist is in the best position to detect
some of the symptoms listed above, because most of them begin in a painless,
hard-to-notice fashion. Most cases of oral cancer begin in the tongue or
on the floor of the mouth. Tobacco users are at considerably greater risk
of developing oral cancer than are those who don't smoke or chew tobacco.
In fact, 75 percent of oral cancers are attributed to the use of tobacco.
The good news is that when detected early, oral cancers have a cure rate of
80 to 90 percent. Talk with your dentist about the warning signs of oral
cancer and about lifestyle decisions that can help you avoid it.
September 7, 2009
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