Oral cancer occurs usually on the floor of the mouth, on the soft palate in the vicinity of the tongue root and lips, and on the gums. Should oral cancer not early detected and treated, it will spread and lead to constant pain, loss of function, and in addition, after the treatment also to deformation of the mouth and face that cannot be corrected. Sometimes it can even be fatal. Therefore it is of great importance to visit the dentist regularly for the early detection of oral cancer.

What are the reasons of oral cancer?

The exact reason is not known. However, the consumption of tobacco products, alcohol, and carcinogenic substances in food and especially the factors such as too much exposure to sunlight in areas outside the mouth (such as lips) increases the risk of cancer. Genetic predisposition is also a risk factor for oral cancer.

Possible symptoms of oral cancer:

• White or red areas in or around the mouth
• Sensitive, irritated, swollen areas or thickening in the mouth
• Recurrent bleeding in the mouth and the throat
• Hoarseness and feeling as if something plugged in the throat
• Chewing and swallowing complaints
• Difficulty in speech and jaw movement problems
• The difficulty of tongue movement
• Loss of sensibility in other areas of the mouth, insensibility
• Swelling in the upper or lower jaw, which causes deterioration of the current alignment of the prosthesis.

Since oral cancer lesions are painless at the initial stage, they are mostly ignored. But when cancer gradually starts in the healthy mouth with tissue damage, pain complaints also begin. Detection of oral cancer is extremely difficult, so it’s very important to contact your physician at the slightest change. In addition, the regular habit of visiting the dentist plays an important role in early detection.