028 3755 2000
WE REALLY DO CARE

ORAL CANCER CARE

If you have a painful sore or mouth ulcer that isn’t healing and won’t go away it could be a symptom of mouth cancer.

As part of your routine examination the Dentistry@Markethill team will perform a visual examination for the signs of oral cancer as well as educate and inform you about reducing your risks.


WHAT IS ORAL CANCER?

KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

In many cases, changes are seen in the mouth before the cancer develops. Early treatment of these changes can actually prevent cancer from developing.

Symptoms include:

  • White patches in the mouth (leukoplakia)
  • Red patches in the mouth (erythroplakia)
  • A lump on the lip, tongue, mouth or throat
  • Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
  • Pain when chewing or swallowing
  • A feeling of something caught in the throat
  • Loose teeth, or change in the fit of your dentures
  • A change in your voice or speech problems
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • A lump on the neck
oral cancer screening northern ireland

PREVENTION IS KEY

If a cancer does develop it could spread to other parts of the body so it’s important to:

  • Visit your dentist regularly
  • Watch for changes in your mouth
  • Reduce your smoking and alcohol intake
  • Practice safe sex to reduce your chances of contracting Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
  • Use protective sunscreen
  • Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C and E

When it comes to mouth cancer:
IF IN DOUBT, GET CHECKED OUT!

NOVEMBER IS MOUTH CANCER ACTION MONTH

The incidence rates for oral cancer have risen in recent years, with over 6,500 people being diagnosed annually in the UK alone. Without early detection, around half of these people will die, but early diagnosis can give patients a 90% chance of survival.

This is why every November we recognise MOUTH CANCER ACTION MONTH.

During November we aim to raise public awareness of oral cancer and risk factors associated with it.


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