The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. With early detection, oral cancers have a high rate of successful treatment. People over the age of 45 are at greater risk for oral cancers, but regardless of age, you should consider an oral cancer screening if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Discolored patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red areas.
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding.
- Unusual feeling in the tongue, change in taste, and difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviors and conditions are associated with a higher risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Possible infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure or a lifestyle with significant time spent in the sun.
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which are thick, whitish patches inside the mouth.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer will depend on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer. It is often customized for each individual case.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions early. During the exam, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and may check the outside of your throat and neck for any lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are found during the oral screening, you may need further testing such as a biopsy (removal of a small piece of suspicious tissue for lab analysis) or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI. Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be required to remove confirmed tumors.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take steps now to reduce your risk of oral cancer. To help lower your risk, visit your dentist regularly for routine exams, quit using tobacco products, drink alcohol responsibly, be cautious about sun exposure, use UV protective lip balms, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and check your mouth during your regular brushing and flossing routine. Report any concerns or symptoms to your dentist as soon as possible.
Prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment will be planned on a case by case basis and will heavily depend on the severity, type and location of the suspected cancer.Spotting early signs of cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is the early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist will look over the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. Your dentist will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or odd textures and may also feel the outside of your throat and neck for lumps.
Diagnosis and treatment
If signs of cancer are detected during your oral screening you may be asked to undergo additional testing such as a biopsy (where a small piece of the suspicious tissue is removed for lab examination) or imaging tests like Xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans or an MRI. To remove confirmed tumours, surgery or chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.
Prevention of oral cancer
You can take steps now to help prevent oral cancer later. To help reduce your risk of oral cancer see your dentist regularly for routine exams, stop using tobacco products and drink responsibly, be mindful of your exposure to direct sunlight and use U/V protective lip balms, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and during your routine brushing and flossing rituals, remember to check your mouth for signs or symptoms so that you can report any concerns to your dentist.
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to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any of the risk factors for oral cancer, it’s a good idea to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice any unusual patches, lumps, or sores in your mouth, schedule an appointment to have them checked.
Your dentist will carefully examine your lips, the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel for any lumps or unusual textures in these areas. Additionally, the dentist may check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any unusual lumps or tenderness.
Start by washing your hands with warm, soapy water. In front of a mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, your lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your top lip up and bottom lip down to check behind them. You can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue so you can check the sides and underside. Feel the inside of your mouth and gums with your fingers. Look and feel for color changes, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. Let your dentist know if any sores do not heal within two weeks.
Early signs of mouth cancer often appear as small, painless, flat patches that may be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can occur on any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. As a rule of thumb, it is always a good idea to have anything unusual checked by your doctor or dentist.
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