Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. The good news is that when caught early, treatment for oral cancer is highly successful. While those over 45 are most at risk, it’s important to get screened for oral cancer if you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, particularly white or dark red spots.
- Unfamiliar lumps or noticeable changes in texture.
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding.
- Changes in how your tongue feels, a shift in your sense of taste, or difficulty swallowing.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- A possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, particularly if your lifestyle involves prolonged time outdoors.
- A poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which presents as thick, whitish patches inside the mouth.
Understanding the risks and signs of oral cancer can lead to early detection, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Regular screenings are a proactive way to protect your health.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer is personalized based on the severity, type, and location of the cancer. Early detection plays a crucial role in the success of any treatment plan.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is to catch cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During your exam, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for any red or white patches or unusual sores. They will also feel the tissues inside your mouth for lumps or changes in texture, and may examine the outside of your throat and neck for any abnormalities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your dentist detects signs of oral cancer during your screening, they may recommend further tests. This could include a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken for lab analysis, or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI. Depending on the results, treatment options might include surgery to remove the tumour, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Preventing Oral Cancer
Taking steps now can help lower your risk of oral cancer later. Visit your dentist regularly, quit tobacco, and drink alcohol in moderation. Protect your lips with UV lip balm, eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and check your mouth for anything unusual during your brushing routine. If something feels off, let your dentist know—it’s better to catch it early!
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 a screening during your regular dental exam. Additionally, if you notice an unusually coloured or textured patch in your mouth, or find a lump or suspicious sore, it’s important to schedule an appointment to have it examined.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They’ll also feel for any lumps or unusual textures. In addition, your dentist will check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any lumps or areas of tenderness.
Start by washing your hands with warm soapy water. Stand in front of a mirror and examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your top lip and pull down your bottom lip to check behind them. You can use a piece of gauze or cotton pad to grip your tongue and check the sides and underside. Look carefully at your gums and feel the inside of your mouth for lumps, changes in texture, or tenderness. If you have any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, let your dentist know.
Mouth cancer often begins as small, usually painless patches that can be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. As a general rule, if anything looks or feels unusual, it’s best to have it checked out by your dentist or doctor.
Early detection is key, so don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist if you have any concerns!
Oral cancer screening is crucial because early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Identifying cancer in its early stages can lead to more effective treatment and a higher chance of recovery.
Anyone can benefit from an oral cancer screening, but it’s especially important for individuals over 40, tobacco users, heavy alcohol consumers, and those with a family history of cancer. Regular screenings can help catch potential issues early, even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms.
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