Catch oral cancer while it’s still treatable – Watch for these signs

Each year 35,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. Because oral cancer is often not discovered until it is more advanced, there is less than a 50% survival rate at year five after diagnosis, making early detection extremely important.

If you have any of the signs below, you may have oral cancer and should promptly see your medical doctor.

1. Red and/or white spots in your mouth or on your lips
2. Sores in your mouth or on your lips that do not heal
3. Unusual changes to the surface of your mouth or lip tissue
4. Bleeding in the mouth
5. Loose teeth
6. Difficulty swallowing
7. Ear pain
8. Numbness of the tongue or other mouth parts
9. Jaw swelling

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Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can form in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Frequent sun exposure is also a risk for lip cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer include

• White or red patches in your mouth
• A mouth sore that won't heal
• Bleeding in your mouth
• Loose teeth
• Problems or pain with swallowing
• A lump in your neck
• An earache

Oral cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some patients have a combination of treatments.

Link: For more information about oral cancer research, treatments, journal articles, videos and to receive oral cancer updates by e-mail...

Link: Oral cancer Patient Handouts available in English and Spanish...