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What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
Early detection of abnormalities that develop in the tissues of your lips, mouth, and throat is essential in preventing possibly severe health issues from developing, such as oral cancer and other oral diseases. Regular oral cancer screenings by your dentist are essential in detecting oral cancer and other abnormalities in their early stages.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
People at increased risk of developing oral cancer include:
People 40 years of age and older
Smokers
Smokeless tobacco users
Those who regularly drink alcohol
People with a history of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer