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CANCER
FACTS - Oral Cavity
| Signs
and Symptoms |
A
sore that bleeds easily and does not heal; a lump or thickening;
a red or white patch that persists. Difficulty in chewing, swallowing,
or moving tongue or jaws are often late symptoms. |
| Risk
Factors |
Cigarette,
cigar, or pipe smoking; use of smokeless tobacco; excessive consumption
of alcohol. |
| Early
Detection |
Cancer
can affect any part of the oral cavity, including the lip, tongue,
mouth, and throat. Dentists and primary care physicians have the
opportunity, during regular checkups, to see abnormal tissue changes
and to detect cancer at an early, curable stage. |
Source:
Cancer Facts & Figures 1998 - American Cancer Society
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