Oral Cancer (12/13)

Persistent sores, bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth. This can include white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth. These changes can be signs of oral cancer or cancers of the throat or esophagus, especially in people who use tobacco or alcohol heavily.

Treatment:

• Oral examination and biopsy of suspicious areas
• Oral hygiene measures to prevent infection
• Pain management (topical anesthetics, systemic pain medication)
• Anti-fungal treatments if thrush is present
• Surgery to remove cancerous lesions
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy if cancer is diagnosed
• Nutritional support if eating is difficult