Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a very serious disease that is a cancer of the mouth. It is easy to identify odd things in your mouth and when you do find something “odd” inside of your mouth, it is probably a good idea to go to a doctor to have it checked out.
Symptoms of oral cancer include lumps, ulcers, or skin lesions on the tongue, lip, internal cheeks, gums, and other mouth area. It is usually small and often pale in color (although it can be dark or discolored). It has a hard-edged, deep crack in the tissue. It may start off completely painless, but develops a burning sensation or pain as it advances.
Oral cancer may also be accompanied by tongue problems, mouth sores, abnormal taste in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
The causes of oral cancer are usually associated with smoking or tobacco use in 70-80% of the cases. Other risks include poor oral hygiene and poor dental situation, or chronic irritation. Men are more likely to get oral cancer than women.
The problems of oral cancer cause long term issues, however. In about 50% of cases, people with oral cancer will live at least 5 years or more after their treatment. Sadly, 25% of those with oral cancer may die, especially when it is caught late and treatment is delayed.
