Mouth & Throat Cancer
Here’s everything you need to know about oral cancers
Understanding Mouth & Throat Cancers
Normally when you visit your local NoFrills Dental practice, your dentist or hygienist conducts a comprehensive visual examination for signs of oral cancers. Just like all other cancers, early diagnosis is important.
Based on your overall health status and exposure, your dentist or hygienist may recommend that you undergo advanced screening for oral cancer. This advanced screening will be able to identify oral cancers that could not be identified in a visual exam. The procedure is painless and fast.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Persistent irritation or sore.
- White or red patches.
- Pain, soreness or lack of feeling in the mouth or on lips.
- A bump, swelling, irregular spot, scab or a small broken area.
- Trouble moving your tongue or jaw.
- Trouble chewing and swallowing food or speaking.
- Change in how your teeth fit when biting or chewing
Symptoms of throat cancer
- A growth or bump around the neck region or inside the throat.
- Persistent sore throat or cough.
- Pain in the ear.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Voice changes; voice may become hoarse.
Cancer Risk Factors
People of all ages can be affected by cancer. Nevertheless tobacco use and excessive consumption of alcohol increase the risk of getting cancer. It is estimated that most diagnosed cases of mouth and throat cancer are attributed to tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Other risk factors include:
- Certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus. Recent researchers have shown a connection between certain types of HPV and throat cancer that mainly attacks tonsils and the base of the tongue. A lot of people have HPV and are not even aware.
- Over exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip cancer.
- Insufficient vegetable and fruits in diet increases risk of cancer.
Ways to Reduce Risks associated with Mouth and Throat Cancer
- Examine your mouth tissues using a mirror every day when brushing and flossing.
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Examine your neck often for lumps or growths.
- Routinely see your dentist for oral cancer examination.
Importance of Regularly Visiting your Dentist
During dental check-ups, your dentist normally examines your mouth, neck and face for inflammations, persistent sores and white or red patches. Inform your dentist if you notice any changes on your neck, face or mouth. If cancer is detected early then it will be treated more easily.
Visit your dentist immediately you notice any of the symptoms aforementioned. Discuss any issues you may have regarding mouth and throat cancer with your dental team. The earlier you begin treatment the higher your chances of survival.
Schedule an appointment
We’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Our Dental Clinics
We are conveniently located at these locations:
NoFrills Dental @ Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard
Suntec City (North Wing)
#03-317
Singapore 038983
NoFrills Dental @ Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard,
Marina Square,
#B1-11
Singapore 039594