Common Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop when abnormal cells begin growing in areas such as the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Finding changes early can make treatment more effective. While the risk of oral cancer tends to increase after age 45, people of any age should talk with a dentist about screening if they notice symptoms such as:
- White, red, or unusually dark patches inside the mouth or on the lips.
- New lumps, bumps, or noticeable changes in the texture of the tissues.
- Sores that do not heal, areas of numbness, or bleeding without an obvious cause.
- Changes in how the tongue feels, altered taste, or ongoing difficulty swallowing.
Factors That May Increase Your Risk of Oral Cancer
Certain lifestyle habits, health factors, and personal history may increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. These can include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Frequent or heavy alcohol use, particularly when combined with tobacco.
- Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) that affects the mouth or throat.
- Frequent or prolonged exposure to the sun, which can affect the lips.
- A diet that lacks a healthy variety of nutritious foods.
- Having a family history of oral cancer.
- Being male, as oral cancer occurs more often in men than women.
- A previous history of leukoplakia, which appears as a thick, whitish patch inside the mouth.
Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment of Oral Cancer
The right treatment approach varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the type, location, and stage of the suspected cancer. Your healthcare team will recommend the next steps based on your individual needs.
Recognizing Possible Early Warning Signs
An oral cancer screening is designed to identify unusual changes in the mouth as early as possible, including signs that could be precancerous. During your appointment, your dentist will carefully examine the tissues inside your mouth and beneath your tongue for unusual red or white areas, sores, or other changes. They may gently feel the tissues for lumps or areas with an unusual texture and check your neck and throat for swelling or other abnormalities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your screening reveals an area that needs further attention, your dentist may recommend additional testing or refer you to an appropriate healthcare provider. Testing may include a biopsy, which involves examining a small tissue sample, or imaging such as X-rays, an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. If oral cancer is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of approaches depending on the diagnosis.
Steps to Help Prevent Oral Cancer
There are practical steps you can take to support your oral health and lower certain risk factors. Visit your dentist regularly for comprehensive examinations, avoid tobacco products, and limit alcohol consumption. Protect your lips from prolonged sun exposure by using a lip balm with UV protection. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also support overall health. During your daily brushing and flossing routine, take a moment to notice any unusual changes in your mouth and let your dentist know about concerns that do not go away.
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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 associated with oral cancer, consider talking with your dentist about adding an oral cancer screening to your routine dental examination. You should also book an appointment if you notice a new or unusual patch of colour or texture in your mouth, an unexplained lump, or a sore that does not seem to heal. Having these changes checked promptly can help identify concerns that may require further evaluation.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine your lips and the tissues inside your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and tongue. They will look for any unusual changes and gently check the tissues for lumps, swelling, or areas with an unexpected texture. Your dentist may also examine your face, jaw, throat, and neck by feeling for any areas of tenderness, swelling, or unusual lumps.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and examine your lips, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. Gently lift your upper lip and pull down your lower lip so you can check the tissues underneath. You can use clean gauze or a cotton pad to gently hold your tongue while looking at its sides and underside. Look closely at your gums and use clean fingers to gently feel the inside of your mouth. Watch for unusual colour changes, lumps, bumps, texture changes, or areas of tenderness. Tell your dentist about any mouth sores that have not healed within two weeks.
Early mouth cancer may appear as small, flat patches that are often painless. They can look red, white, grey, or yellow, sometimes with a reddish border. These changes may develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth. As a general rule, any new or unusual change in how your mouth looks or feels is worth having checked by your dentist or doctor, especially if it does not go away.
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