The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection of oral cancers significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Those at greatest risk are individuals over 45, but regardless of age, you should consider oral cancer screening if you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red areas
- Unusual lumps or changes in texture
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- Unusual sensations on the tongue, changes in sense of taste, or difficulty swallowing
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviours and conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use
- Possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure, particularly for those with outdoor lifestyles
- Poor diet or eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women
- A history of leukoplakia (thick, whitish patches inside the mouth)
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer is tailored to each case, depending on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During the exam, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth, including under your tongue, looking for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and check the outside of your throat and neck for any lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If any signs of cancer are found during the screening, further testing will likely be required. This may involve a biopsy, where a small sample of the suspicious tissue is removed for lab examination, or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. If cancer is confirmed, treatment options could include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the situation.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
To reduce your risk of oral cancer, there are several steps you can take. Regular dental check-ups are essential, so see your dentist for routine exams. Avoid using tobacco products, and drink alcohol responsibly. Protect your lips from direct sun exposure by using UV-protective lip balms. Additionally, maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and always remember to check your mouth during your daily brushing and flossing routine. If you notice any signs or symptoms, be sure to report them to your dentist as soon as possible.
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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 an unusually coloured or textured patch in your mouth, or a lump or suspicious sore, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible for further evaluation.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your lips, the inside of your mouth, including your gums, cheeks, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel around your mouth for any lumps or unusual textures. Additionally, the dentist may check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any unusual lumps or tenderness.
To perform a self-exam, wash your hands with warm soapy water. In front of a mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your top and bottom lips to check behind them. You may use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue while checking its sides and underside. Use your fingers to feel the insides of your mouth, looking for colour changes, lumps, bumps, or unusual textures. If you have sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, let your dentist know.
Early mouth cancer may appear as small, usually painless, flat patches that are red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of the mouth. It’s always a good idea to have anything that looks or feels unusual checked out by your doctor or dentist.
It’s recommended to have an oral cancer screening during your routine dental checkups, especially if you’re at higher risk due to factors like tobacco use or a history of alcohol consumption. Even if you don’t have risk factors, getting screened regularly can help catch any issues early and ensure your oral health is in good shape.
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