The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is marked by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection leads to a higher success rate of treatment. While those over 45 are at higher risk, anyone can benefit from screening if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, such as white or dark red areas
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- A strange feeling on the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviours and conditions increase the risk of oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco use
- Possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women
- A history of leukoplakia (white patches inside the mouth)
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer will vary based on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions. During the exam, your dentist will check for red or white patches, suspicious sores, or lumps inside your mouth and under your tongue. They will also feel for unusual textures or lumps in your mouth, throat, and neck.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are detected, further testing may be necessary. This could include a biopsy (removal of a small tissue sample for lab examination) or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. If cancer is confirmed, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be required.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take steps now to reduce your risk of oral cancer. Visit your dentist regularly for exams, quit using tobacco products, drink alcohol in moderation, limit sun exposure, use UV-protective lip balms, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and check your mouth regularly during brushing and flossing to spot any potential concerns.
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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 risk factors for oral cancer or notice any unusual patches, lumps, or sores in your mouth, it’s a good idea to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. Early detection is key for successful treatment.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your lips, mouth, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel for lumps or unusual textures in your mouth, jaw, throat, and neck, looking for any signs of abnormality or tenderness.
To self-check, wash your hands and examine your lips, gums, roof of your mouth, and tongue in front of a mirror. Use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to grip your tongue and check the sides and underside. Feel for lumps, bumps, color changes, or unusual textures. If you have any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, let your dentist know.
Early-stage mouth cancer may appear as small, flat, painless patches that are red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop on any area of the mouth, including the gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth. It’s important to get any unusual spots checked by your dentist or doctor.
Oral cancer screenings should be part of your routine dental check-ups, typically every 6 months. If you’re at higher risk due to lifestyle factors or family history, your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings.
While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting your lips from sun exposure, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining regular dental check-ups for early detection.
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