The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When detected early, oral cancers have a high success rate of treatment. People over the age of 45 are at the highest risk for oral cancers, but anyone, regardless of age, should consider oral cancer screening if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red colours
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
- Canker sores that do not heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- Unusual sensations in the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviors and conditions can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption (especially when combined with tobacco use)
- Potential infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure or a lifestyle that includes frequent sun exposure
- A poor diet or unhealthy eating habits
- A family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women
- A history of leukoplakia (a thick, whitish patch that forms inside the mouth)
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer will be tailored to each individual, depending on the severity, type, and location of the cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
Oral cancer screenings aim to detect cancer or precancerous conditions early. During the exam, the dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or abnormal sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and may feel the outside of your throat and neck for lumps as well.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If cancer signs are detected during the screening, additional tests such as a biopsy (where a small sample of tissue is removed for lab analysis) or imaging tests like X rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be required. Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be necessary to remove confirmed tumors.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of oral cancer. To help prevent oral cancer, see your dentist regularly for routine exams, quit using tobacco products, limit alcohol consumption, protect yourself from excessive sun exposure by using U/V protective lip balms, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and check your mouth for any signs of cancer during your regular brushing and flossing routines. If you notice anything unusual, report it 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 an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice any unusually coloured or textured patches in your mouth, or if you discover a lump or suspicious sore, schedule an appointment to have it checked out.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will carefully feel for lumps or unusual textures. The dentist may also check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for lumps or tenderness.
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water. In front of a mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, your lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your upper and lower lips to check behind them. You can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue and check the sides and underside. Feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers, and look for any colour changes, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you have sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, let your dentist know.
In the early stages, mouth cancer may appear as small, usually painless, flat patches that may be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. As a general rule, if something looks or feels unusual, it’s a good idea to have it checked by your doctor or dentist.
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