April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, so your dentist in Oakton wanted to help patients stay ahead of the deadly disease by telling them which symptoms to watch out for. According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, one person dies every hour from oral cancer in the United States alone. About 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, so it’s worth it to get yourself checked if you have any suspicions.
How Oral Cancer Appears on the Lips
While there are several risk factors for oral cancer in general, lip cancer has more specific risk factors to watch out for as well. One of the major risk factors is prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. You’re most often exposed by UV rays when the sun is shining, but you can also be exposed if you frequently use tanning beds.
According to the National Cancer Institute, patients who smoke tobacco are 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. Additionally, those who drink three to four alcoholic beverages a day are twice as likely to develop oral cancer. The risk is even greater when both habits are combined, about two or three times more, according to the Institute.
The best way to mitigate these risk factors is to completely discontinue use of all tobacco products, lower your consumption of alcohol, and make use of a high-SPF lip balm specifically designed for protection from UV rays.
The Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
One of the most common symptoms your dentist sees for lip cancer is open sores. While they may look like cold sores, it’s more likely a sign of oral cancer if they don’t heal properly, especially after a two-week long period. They can also take the appearance of a red patch that becomes crusty, itchy, or bleeds. Lumps or wart-like growths are also a cause for concern. If you notice any change in the appearance of your lips, even if it doesn’t look like described here, you should visit your dentist in Oakton.
Confirm with Your Dentist in Oakton
Only a medical professional can confirm if your lip sores are oral cancer or not. Seeing your dentist is never something to put off because oral cancer requires early detection for effective treatment. The death rate for oral cancer is particularly high because of how often it’s discovered late in development. Lip cancer in particular is almost always curable but only if caught early, so getting a screening from your dentist can mean the difference between life and death.
During your screening, the dentist will examine your lips, mouth, and throat for tissues that appear cancerous. If he suspects cancer is present, he’ll take a biopsy of the area and have it tested.
To avoid severe disfigurement or worse consequences due to lip and oral cancer, schedule a visit with your dentist. You’ll be glad you gained the peace of mind.
About the Author
Dr. Pasquale J. Giordano earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland. After completing his general practice residency at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Hospital, he started practicing in 2005. To get screened for oral cancer, contact him at (703) 457-8850 or visit his website to schedule an appointment.