Find Out Why Early Detection is Key with Oral Cancer in Coatesville

Are you the type of person who thinks nothing bad will ever happen to them? You eat right, you don’t smoke or drink, and you are on top of your game when it comes to your oral health. All of that is great, but unfortunately, when it comes to oral cancer, anyone can be at risk. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which is why it’s important to be screened for oral cancer in Coatesville sooner rather than later. Learn why early detection is key when battling this disease.

The Importance of Screening

If you haven’t heard it before, you will now: Early detection can save your life! Each year, oral and throat cancers kill nearly one person every hour of every day. Of the individuals who are newly diagnosed, an estimated 40% will not live beyond five years. Unfortunately, for many who develop these cancers, treatment is difficult, if not impossible, simply because it was diagnosed too late. The good news is that if it’s caught early, the mortality rate and many of the treatment-related health problems are significantly reduced.

Risk Factors Associated with Oral Cancer

It would be easy if we could definitively say, “Individuals who do this will develop oral cancer – 100% of the time.” Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Yes, there are habits and conditions that heighten your risk, but there are also other factors that cannot be helped. Some of the risk factors associated with oral cancer include:

• Heavy drinking
• Smoking or tobacco use
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Increased sun exposure

Oral and throat cancers are more often found in men over the age of 50, but with the increased transmission of HPV, the cases are appearing in younger people as well, especially those who do not smoke.

Signs and Symptoms to Look For

While your dentist is the best person to thoroughly examine you to determine if there any areas of concern, it’s important to pay attention to what your body is telling you. You may exhibit signs or symptoms of oral cancer prior to your appointment. If you notice any of the following, please remember to contact your Coatesville dentist as soon as possible.

• Red or white spots in your mouth
• Lumps, crusts, or thickened areas
• Oral sores that don’t heal
• Pain or numbness around the lips and/or mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the jaw

Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless, and you’ll probably never even know it’s happening. Be proactive in the fight against oral cancer, and ask your Coatesville dentist about early detection. In just a few minutes, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your mouth is in good shape and cancer-free.

About the Author
Dr. Mark Simeone, DMD, AEGD, has nearly two decades of experience as a general and cosmetic dentist. He completed his advanced education in general dentistry at Rutgers University before completing his doctoral studies and residency. Dr. Simeone has become one of the most respected dentists in his field and enjoys helping his patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. To learn more about Dr. Simeone,  contact us at (610) 383-1600.