Oral cancer is a serious but treatable health condition. Our experienced specialists provide routine oral cancer screening as part of every six-month checkup at our Boston, MA, office.
In this way, they can detect signs of cancer as early as possible, when the condition is most treatable. When necessary, we will refer you to a specialist and work with your treatment team to provide potentially life-saving treatment.
Oral Cancer and Its Symptoms
Like other forms of cancer, oral cancer develops when cells begin to divide and multiply abnormally. As a result, growths appear on soft oral tissues. The disease can affect any part of the mouth. The most common areas include the gums, soft palate, tongue, throat, and floor of the mouth.
The most common indicators of oral cancer are sores that may be red, white, or mottled. They are often painful, and they can cause radiating discomfort. Other symptoms of oral cancer can include:
- Inflamed or bleeding gums.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- The feeling of a lump in your throat.
- Sore throat.
- Ear pain.
- Numbness in your mouth or neck.
It is important to understand that in the early stages, symptoms may not be visible to the untrained eye, making regular professional screenings crucial.