While our health is on top of mind with resolutions, why not check if you have oral cancer? Below is a list of possible symptoms associated:
- Swellings, lumps or rough spots in your mouth, neck or jaw. If they do not disappear after 3 weeks, you could be developing mouth cancer.
- Ulcers or red or white patches. If they have a velvety texture, this is a telltale sign, especially if the patches do not heal in 3 weeks.
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, moving the jaw or tongue. If this occurs, it is important to take prompt action and get it checked by a doctor.
- Sores in the mouth, neck and face. If they have begun to bleed persistently, and do not heal within 2 weeks, they need to be checked as they are also symptoms of oral cancer. Another symptom of oral cancer is constant bleeding in your mouth that cannot be explained.
- Loss of feeling or pain in areas. If you find that you notice this on your mouth, neck, face and ear, oral cancer could be developing.
- Chronic sore throat. In the early stages, the sore throat can also be accompanied by a lump in your throat.
If you find you have any of these symptoms, our office has the VELscope® system to help us identify, evaluate, monitor and mark any abnormal or suspicious oral cell lesions.
So how does it work? A low intensity fluorescence light from the handheld light source will then bounce off the abnormal cells, giving them a “glowing” effect all the way down to the basement membrane where the nuclei have been rendered more prominent, making abnormal cells easier to see than with a traditional exam.
Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.
Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.