Check mouth once a month for signs of oral cancer

Most people know they can screen themselves at home by performing self-breast exams or checking moles for abnormalities. However, many people are unaware that they can also examine themselves for oral cancer. As oral cancer is most treatable if detected early, it is important for people to have regular dental visits and to learn how to do self-exams.

Oral cancer is any cancer of the mouth or pharynx, a part of the throat. According to National Cancer Institute estimates, approximately 34,000 Americans were diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in 2007.

"Awareness of signs and symptoms of oral cancer is essential, because if caught early, there is a much greater likelihood of survival," said Michael Kahn, DDS, professor of oral pathology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. "Self-screening for oral cancer is quick and easy, and can potentially save your life."

"Although risk is greater for those who use tobacco products, it is a misconception that others are not at risk," said Kahn.

Besides use of tobacco in any form, other risk factors for oral cancer include:

•Gender: Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women.

•Age: Oral cancer most often develops after age 40.

•Alcohol use: Excessive alcohol use increases risk of oral cancer, especially when used in combination with tobacco.

•Sunlight: Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer.

•Human papillomavirus: The same kind that can cause cervical cancer in women has been found to cause some oral cancers in both men and women.

Kahn recommends checking for suspicious areas in the mouth about once a month. "Use a mirror to look inside your mouth, including the roof, cheeks, lips, gums and under the tongue. Examine for any white or red spot that stands out from the normal color of your mouth. Even if the spot is painless, consult your dentist promptly if it doesn't go away within a week or two," said Kahn.

"It is also important to schedule semiannual visits with your dentist, as they are trained to look for oral cancer," said Kahn. "At these visits, talk with your dentist about inspecting your mouth for suspicious areas. If you use tobacco products, you may also want to discuss visiting a specialist who can examine your pharynx."

Other signs and symptoms of oral cancer, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, may include:

•A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in the mouth, lip or throat.

•A feeling that something is caught in the throat.

•Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw or tongue.

•Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth.

•Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.

•Pain in one ear without hearing loss.

About 75 percent of cases of oral cancer are preventable. The best prevention is to avoid tobacco products and stop using them as soon as possible. Other methods of prevention include:

•Making regular dental appointments.

•Limiting alcohol intake.

•Using a lip balm with an SPF when out in the sun.

•Eating a healthful diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

•Self-screening for oral cancer. This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.