Factors That May Cause Cancer
Research has identified a number of factors that may contribute to the development of oral cancer.The most common are the use of tobacco and alcohol. Others include poor oral hygiene, irritation caused by ill-fitting dentures and rough surfaces on teeth, poor nutrition, some chronic infections and combinations of these factors. Studies have shown that the death rate from oral cancer is about four times higher for cigarette smokers than for nonsmokers. It is also widely believed in the medical field that the heat generated by smoking pipes and cigars irritates the mouth and can lead to lip cancer. Those at an especially high risk of developing oral cancer are over 40 years of age, heavy drinkers and smokers, or users of smokeless tobacco, including snuff.
Perform a Self-Exam Monthly
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommend that everyone perform an oral cancer self-exam each month. Early detection and treatment provide a better chance for a cure. If you are at high risk for oral cancer — smoker, consumer of alcohol, user of smokeless tobacco, or snuff — you should see your general dentist or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon for an annual exam.
An oral examination is performed using a
bright light and a mirror:
·remove any dentures
·look and feel inside the lips and the front of gums
·tilt head back to inspect and feel the roof of your mouth
·pull the cheek out to see its inside surface as well as the back of the gums
·pull out your tongue and look at all of its surfaces
·feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) in both sides of the neck including under the lower jaw
When performing an oral cancer
self-examination, look for the following:
·white patches of the oral tissues –leukoplakia
·red patches – erythroplakia
·red and white patches – erythroleukoplakia
·a sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
·an abnormal lump or thickening of the tissues of the mouth
·chronic sore throat or hoarseness
·difficulty in chewing or swallowing a mass or lump in the neck
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All information on this page has been reprinted with permission from American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.