IMPORTANT: Aimed at the general public, the Bücco Guide is a general educational guide. Its content presents some of the most common dental practices. However, there are many approaches and philosophies in dentistry and your dentist / specialist will be able to advise you on what he believes to be the most appropriate for your oral health. Do not hesitate to consult a dentist / specialist for more information.
A wound in the mouth that does not heal and lasts longer than two weeks may be a warning sign of oral cancer. The wound often takes the form of a small cavity in the mucous membrane of the mouth. |
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A wound in the mouth that is slow to heal is reason enough to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have it examined. It is preferable to react quickly, as early detection of cancerous lesions increases the success rate of treatment and, consequently, the chances of survival. A rapid diagnosis will reduce the risk of complications. |
In the event that the dentist consulted suspects the presence of oral cavity cancer, a follow-up will be recommended with an oncologist, a cancer specialist. The recommendation for treatment will depend on the stage of the disease, the location and size of the tumour, the effects of the treatment on the patient’s condition and the overall health of the person with the disease. Depending on all these factors, the oncologist may recommend surgery, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. |
Since many risk factors for oral cancer are uncontrollable, it is recommended to modify certain lifestyle habits related to conditions that can be controlled in order to minimize the risk of contracting the disease. Some recommendations may apply, including
Finally, it is strongly recommended to make an appointment once or twice a year with your dentist for a cleaning (prophylaxis) and a complete oral examination. This examination makes it possible to act as a preventive measure when problems, some of which are more serious, such as cancerous tumours, appear. |
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