Early Detection Of Oral Cancer Can Save Your Life

If you have an irritating sore on the inside of your mouth it is a good idea to make an appointment at a dentists to have it examined. Oral cancers first manifest themselves as sores or growths that do not disappear naturally. Oral cancers, which include cancer in any part of the mouth, tongue or throat can be life threatening if not caught and treated early so it is always advisable to visit a dentist if you are unsure.

India has one of the highest incidence of Oral cancer in the world. The high incidence of oral cancer and oral pre-cancerous lesions in India has long been linked with the habit of betel quid chewing incorporating tobacco.Chewing tobacco and betel quids, a mixture of tobacco, leaves and spices, is a significant risk factor for oral cancer.In India, oral cancers account for four in 10 of all cancers. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in Britain each year. About half of these die .Oral cancer ranks number one among men and number three among women in India. Oral cancer constitutes 12% of all cancers in men and 8% of all cancers among women.Smokers are a massive 600 times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers.

The symptoms or oral cancer include: the development of white or red patches in the mouth, cases of unexplained bleeding of the gums or mouth lining, having difficulty speaking, chewing or swallowing and swelling or unusual lumps developing in the mouth. Sudden and unexplained weight loss may also be a symptom.There are of course more symptoms than described here so it really is best to consult a dentist

The treatment is successful only if the lesion is diagnosed early, but sadly many times, it is ignored and the patient reports when the lesion has spread so much that the treatment is impossible or even if done the long term prognosis is poor. The cost of the treatment is 3.5 lakh and in spite of this cost there is no guarantee that there is sure cure. This can be completely prevented by simple changes in lifestyle and regular screening and even have health benefits that reach beyond cancer. A dentist will be able to check for oral cancer as part of your regular check up and can take a painless brush biopsy of any suspicious looking sores in the mouth and on the tongue. Patients who catch oral cancer early stand an 80 per cent chance of being successfully treated.Quit Tobacco. It kills!!