How to Detect Oral Cancer

Feb 15, 2012 @ 02:38 AM — by Nicholas Pournaras, D.M.D.

Detecting an oral cancer at its earliest stages of development is a good way to ensure your continued health down the line. When it’s caught early, doctors and dentists will have a better chance at effectively eliminating the cancer before it spreads. Whether it’s cancer of the tongue, the palate, the throat, the salivary glands, or the jaw, there are many things that you can look out for that will help your dentist and doctor. Columbia, SC area cosmetic dentist Dr. Nicholas Pournaras and his staff would like to briefly discuss how to detect oral cancers.

Be sure to remain attentive at all times to any pain or discomfort that you may experience in the throat or the mouth. Occasional soreness every now and then is not out of the ordinary, but recurring and persistent pain should be brought to our attention or the attention of your doctor.

Growths and swelling in various parts of your mouth should also be monitored and noted as well. Swollen gums could be the sign of a potential dental problem. Even I that problem is just gum disease, it’s worth bringing to our attention. The same goes for any growths you notice in the jaw joint area or throat area. These may be signs of a more serious health condition.

You should also keep watch of any lesions or sores that develop on your gums or your tongue. These could be signs of oral cancer or some other dental health issue that needs to be addressed. A cold sore every now and then is nothing out of the ordinary, but sores that last longer than a week or two should be brought to our attention.

One last thing to look out for is dry mouth. Persistent dry mouth could point to a growth or a blockage in the salivary glands that may be serious. Sometimes the dry mouth just may be a symptom of dehydration or another dental health issue, but you shouldn’t ignore the problem if you notice it.

To learn more about oral cancers as well as Columbia, SC porcelain veneers and other dental health issues, be sure to contact our Cayce, SC cosmetic dentistry office to schedule a consultation.