The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, and early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. While the risk is higher for individuals over 45, anyone should consider an oral cancer screening if they experience any of these symptoms:
- Discolored patches in the mouth or on the lips, including white or dark red areas
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- Unusual sensations in the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure
- A poor diet or eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than in women
- A history of leukoplakia, a thick, whitish patch inside the mouth
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During the exam, your dentist will inspect your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck to check for lumps or unusual textures.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are found, additional tests like a biopsy or imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI) may be necessary. Treatment options, which vary based on the severity, type, and location of the cancer, could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
To reduce your risk of oral cancer, visit your dentist regularly for checkups, avoid tobacco products, drink alcohol responsibly, limit sun exposure and use UV-protective lip balms. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also beneficial. Be proactive by checking your mouth during daily brushing and flossing, and report any unusual changes 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 a good idea to ask for a screening during your regular dental exam. If you’ve noticed any discolored or textured patches, lumps, or suspicious sores in your mouth, schedule an appointment to have them checked.
Your dentist will carefully examine your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth for any signs of cancer. They’ll also feel around for lumps or unusual textures and may check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any abnormalities.
To perform a self-check, wash your hands and stand in front of a mirror. Examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull up your upper lip and lower your bottom lip to check behind them. Use a piece of gauze or cotton pad to grip your tongue and check its sides and underside. Feel around your mouth for color changes, lumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If any sores haven’t healed within two weeks, contact your dentist.
Early-stage mouth cancer often appears as small, painless patches that may 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. If anything looks or feels unusual, it’s best to have it checked by a doctor or dentist.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
