How can you tell if you have gum cancer?
Common symptoms of gum cancer include:
- Altered sense of taste.
- Bleeding gums.
- Cracking of the gums.
- Difficulty eating.
- Loosening of the teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
- Lump that does not go away.
- Nonhealing sore, which may be white, pale, red, dark, or otherwise discolored.
- Pain.
How long does it take for oral cancer to develop?
Fact: Most cases of oral cancer are found in patients 50 years or older because this form of the disease often takes many years to develop. However, the number of cases linked to HPV and oral cancer has risen over the years and is putting younger people at a greater risk.
How common is gum cancer?
Gum cancer is an oral cancer. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, there are about 53,000 new cases of oral cancers every year. Patches or irregular growths on the gums can be signs of gum cancer. These patches and growths are red and white in color.
Is gum cancer hard or soft?
Oral cancer may appear differently based on its stage, location in the mouth, and other factors. Oral cancer may present as: patches of rough, white, or red tissue. a hard, painless lump near the back teeth or in the cheek.
How does gum cancer start?
Using tobacco products, particularly chewing tobacco, and regularly drinking too much alcohol can increase your chances of developing gum cancer. Dentists are typically the first to notice signs of gum cancer, often during a routine dental exam.
Can you get mouth cancer from smoking tobacco?
Using tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals. Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all. Chronic excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to mouth cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
What are the first signs of gum cancer?
Gum cancer is a type of oral cancer. It begins when the cells in the gum grow out of control. This uncontrolled growth gives rise to a mass that eventually damages the healthy tissue. The first signs of gum cancer are similar to those seen in gingivitis.
What are the first signs of mouth cancer from chewing tobacco?
“The issue is when something doesn’t go away. If you remove the cause of the issue, whether it be chewing tobacco, cheek biting or a sharp tooth, and the lesion doesn’t go away, that’s a problem. That’s a warning sign for cancer,” says Dr. Manuballa.
Why does smoking cause discoloration of the gums?
Smoking also masks discoloration of the gums caused by cancer since tar contained in cigarettes also causes gum discoloration. Causes and risk factors for gum cancer are similar to the general predisposing factors of oral cancer.