Oral Cancer
Every hour of every day in North America, someone dies of oral cancer.
Historically the primary risk factors for oral cancer included tobacco use, frequent and/or excessive alcohol consumption, a compromised immune system, and past history of cancer, with a high percentage of victims being males over the age of 40.
What are the symptoms
of Oral cancer?
• Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
Benefits of Early Detection
We believe that the key to increasing the percentage of oral cancers discovered in early stages is two-fold:
• First, to ensure that all patients are screened at least annually for oral cancer using the conventional “white light” exam (a visual and manual examination of the oral cavity, head, and neck), and
• Second, to supplement that conventional exam with an exam using an effective adjunctive screening device.