2 Minutes of Oral Cancer Self-Exam Could Save Your Life! | Health



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Oral cancer can develop on the surface of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and the lips, or the gums and pharynx. The incidence is particularly high in South Central Asia due to exposure to risk factors, according to the WHO.
Like cancers, there is currently no cure, but early diagnosis can help ensure more successful treatment.

Anna Middleton, a dental hygienist in London, UK, said that while many cases of oral cancer are related to lifestyle, it must be remembered that anyone can get oral cancer, according to Quick.

The best way to deal with oral cancer is early intervention, Middleton said. Oral cancer, if caught early, is more likely to be treated successfully.

Because of this, it is important to check for symptoms, and getting checked every 2 minutes per month by following the instructions below can save your life.

Take just 2 minutes, choose a well-lit place, stand in front of a mirror, wash your hands well with soap, and check.

Things to notice, depending on Quick.

• Red or white sores or patches anywhere in the mouth that do not heal within 3 weeks

• A lump or swelling anywhere in the mouth, jaw, or neck that lasts more than 3 weeks.

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

• Numbness of the tongue or numbness of any other area of ​​the mouth

• The feeling that something is stuck in the throat.

• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness lasting more than 6 weeks

• Unexplained tooth loss

Middleton experts recommend following this step-by-step guide and looking for anything out of the ordinary, depending on Quick.

If you find anything that concerns you, check it out immediately.

1. Examination of the face

Look closely at the entire face to see if any new swelling appears. Do you check the skin for moles that suddenly get bigger, itchy, or start to bleed? Turn your head from side to side, stretching the skin of your muscles to make the lump easier to see.

2. Examine the neck

Move your fingers under the jaw and feel along the large muscles on the sides of the neck with your fingertips to feel for swelling and see if both sides are equal.

3. Examine the lips

Use your index, middle, and thumb to feel inside your mouth. Pull the upper lip up and the lower lip down. Look inside for sores or color changes.

4. Check the gums

Use your thumb and forefinger to check for any unusual sensations around the gums.

5. Check the cheek

Open your mouth and turn your cheeks, one on each side. Find any red or white mark. Are things the same on both sides? Use your fingers to feel for sores, bumps, or pain. Repeat this on both sides, using your tongue to locate sore areas, sores, or rough patches.

6. Check the tongue

Stick out your tongue and check the entire surface of your tongue. Pull your tongue from side to side. Test under the tongue by pressing the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

7. Examine the floor of the mouth and palate.

Tilt your head back and open it wide to check your palate. Raise your tongue and look at the floor of your mouth. Look for color changes or sores. Gently press your finger along the floor of your mouth and under your tongue, any lumps, bumps, or sores that you don’t.

It only takes 2 minutes, choose a well-lit place, stand in front of the mirror, wash your hands well with Shutterstock soap

Take 2 minutes, choose a well-lit place, stand in front of a mirror, wash your hands well with soap, and check

If symptoms persist within 3 weeks, see your GP or dentist. Quick.

The elements of danger

It is important to know the risk factors for oral cancer. 90% of oral cancer diagnoses are related to lifestyle and risk factors, according to the report. Quick.

The following can increase your risk:

• Smoke

Tobacco is the main cause of oral cancer.

• Drink alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer 4 times.

Drinking alcohol while smoking is 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer.

• diet

An unhealthy diet accounts for a third of all cancers.

• HPV papillomavirus

This vius is transmitted through unprotected oral sex, according to the report Quick.




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