Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection is key, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. While those over 45 are at a higher risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider an oral cancer screening:
- Discolored patches in the mouth or on the lips, such as white or dark red spots.
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture.
- Canker sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding.
- Changes in how your tongue feels, altered sense of taste, or difficulty swallowing.
The risk factors for oral cancer
Certain behaviors and conditions can increase the risk of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Potential infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, especially for those with an outdoor lifestyle.
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which is a thick, whitish patch inside the mouth.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The primary goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth early. During the exam, your dentist will inspect the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or unusual sores. They will also check for lumps or unusual textures in the tissues and may examine the outside of your throat and neck for any abnormalities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your oral screening reveals potential signs of cancer, additional tests may be recommended, such as a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for lab analysis) or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to remove or treat confirmed tumors.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer with a few proactive steps:
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.
- Avoid using tobacco products and drink alcohol in moderation.
- Limit sun exposure and use U/V protective lip balms.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Check your mouth for unusual signs during your brushing and flossing routine and report any concerns to your dentist.
Contact us today
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 risk factors for oral cancer, it’s wise to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. Additionally, if you notice any unusually colored or textured patches, lumps, or suspicious sores in your mouth, schedule an appointment to get them evaluated.
Your dentist will carefully examine your lips, mouth, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also check for lumps or unusual textures by feeling around your mouth. Additionally, they may palpate your face, jaw, throat, and neck to detect any abnormal lumps or tenderness.
After washing your hands with warm, soapy water, use a bathroom mirror to inspect your mouth. Look at the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your upper lip up and lower lip down to check behind them. Use gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue and inspect the sides and underside. Feel inside your mouth with your fingers, checking for changes in color, lumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, contact your dentist.
Early mouth cancer may appear as small, usually painless patches that can be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can form anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. As a general rule, have any unusual changes checked by your doctor or dentist.
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