Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells that cause damage to the surrounding tissues. Oral cancer can occur in the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. If not diagnosed and treated early, oral cancer may be life threatening. The following are symptoms of oral cancer:
- Swelling, lumps, rough spots, or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas in the mouth
- The formation of white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness or pain in the face, mouth, or neck
- Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not go away
- Difficulty eating, speaking, or moving the jaw and tongue
- Chronic sore throat
- Ear pain
- A change in your bite
- Dramatic weight loss
During your routine dental exam, Dr. Joseph A. DeLapa will perform a screening for oral cancer in South Salem, New York. Our dentist will feel for lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, face, head, and oral cavity. Our dentist will also look for sores or discolored tissue. There are many signs and symptoms of oral cancer that are easily missed with the naked eye. At our office, we use the Identafi® oral cancer detector to identify changes in the cells in the mouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils.
To learn more and to schedule an appointment, contact our dental office today.
