November 13, 2024

Litum Health

Health Blog

Common Myths About Oral Cancer and Its Signs

2 min read

Among the most overlooked types of cancer is oral cancer. Patients frequently believe that they are protected from developing mouth cancer if they do not use tobacco products. You might be surprised to discover that this illness affects various people. It is essential to comprehend the disease to distinguish fact from fiction. A dentist in Shelby Charter Township will be the ideal person to visit for any dental issue that you may have.

Here are some of the most common myths:

  • Oral cancer only develops in people who smoke:

Although smoking greatly enhances oral cancer risk, this is not the only factor that could contribute to this disease. Although tobacco use is believed to be one of the main risk factors for oral cancer, individuals who have never smoked can also develop the disease.

Your risk factors will rise if you engage in behaviors like smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or routinely ingesting alcohol that causes recurrent, regular harm to the mouth’s soft tissue. However, HPV is currently one of the leading causes of oral cancer.

  • It is easy to understand the symptoms:

Oral cancer is typically painless and straightforward to overlook in its early stages, but malignant lesions will eventually cause symptoms in most cases. Oral cancer-causing lesions usually develop in less obvious places, such as the surface of the mouth, the rear of the throat, or beneath the tongue.

  • Mouth cancer is rare:

The World Cancer Research Fund International listed lip and mouth cancers among the most prevalent cancer worldwide.

  • Older adults are the only ones to suffer from it:

Although it is uncommon to encounter oral cancer in individuals under 40, it is not impossible. Cancer does often emerge in older adults. More young adults have been diagnosed with mouth cancer than in the past due to the association between HPV and cancer.

  • My dentist does not offer screening to detect it:

During a regular dental visit, oral cancer tests are usually included. To get the greatest treatment, early detection is essential. Regular oral cancer tests can aid in the early detection of the condition. An effective treatment outcome depends heavily on early identification.

Some common signs:

As was already established, mouth cancer seldom hurts. Uncontrolled cell development manifests as flat spots resembling ulcers or canker sores.

The following are typical warning symptoms of oral cancer:

  • The tongue, gums, tonsils, or the inside of the mouth may develop white or red spots.
  • A persistent hoarseness
  • Loosening of the permanent teeth
  • An earache
  • a challenge or pain during chewing or swallowing
  • a growth or lump within your mouth
  • persistent breath odor
  • Unaccounted-for weight loss
  • Having trouble moving the mouth or jaw
  • Mouth ulcers that will not disappear