
The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth develops in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. While those over 45 are at higher risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider an oral cancer screening:
- Discoloured Patches: Look out for white, dark red, or unusual-coloured patches in your mouth or on your lips.
- Unfamiliar Lumps or Texture Changes: Any new lumps, bumps, or changes in the texture of your mouth tissue can be a warning sign.
- Persistent Sores: Canker sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or ongoing bleeding in the mouth should not be ignored.
- Altered Sensations: Unusual sensations in the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing can indicate a problem.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get screened as soon as possible to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Key risk factors include:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy or moderate alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco, further elevates the risk.
- HPV Infection: The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth can contribute to the development of oral cancer.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly affecting the lips, can increase cancer risk.
- Poor Diet: Inadequate nutrition and unhealthy eating habits can contribute to the development of oral cancer.
- Family History: A family history of oral cancer may increase your risk.
- Gender: Oral cancer is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women.
- Leukoplakia: A history of leukoplakia, which presents as thick, whitish patches inside the mouth, is a known risk factor.
Understanding these risk factors and taking steps to minimize them can play an important role in reducing your risk of developing oral cancer.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
The approach to treating oral cancer varies based on the severity, type, and location of the cancer. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient to ensure the most effective care.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The primary goal of oral cancer screening is to identify cancer or precancerous conditions early. During the exam, your dentist will carefully inspect the inside of your mouth and under your tongue, looking for red or white patches, sores, or other unusual signs. They will also feel the tissues inside your mouth for lumps or changes in texture, and may check your throat and neck for any external lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your screening indicates signs of potential cancer, further testing may be required. This could include a biopsy, where a small sample of suspicious tissue is taken for laboratory analysis, or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Depending on the findings, treatment options may involve surgery to remove tumours, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to target cancer cells.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Reducing your risk of oral cancer involves proactive steps, including regular dental exams for early detection. Quitting tobacco use and drinking alcohol in moderation are crucial preventive measures. Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure by using UV-protective lip balms, and maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. During your daily oral care routine, take a moment to examine your mouth for any unusual changes and report any concerns to your dentist promptly. These preventive actions can significantly lower your risk of developing oral cancer.
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 of the known risk factors for oral cancer, it’s wise to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. Additionally, if you notice any unusual patches of colour or texture in your mouth, lumps, or persistent sores, it’s important to schedule an appointment promptly to have these areas examined by your dentist.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will thoroughly examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue, carefully inspecting for any abnormal patches or lesions. They will also gently palpate the inside of your mouth to feel for unusual textures or lumps. Beyond the mouth, your dentist may examine your face, jaw, throat, and neck, checking for any abnormal lumps, swelling, or tenderness to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Standing in front of a mirror, inspect the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your upper lip and pull down your lower lip to check behind them. To get a better grip on your tongue, you can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to gently hold and move it, allowing you to inspect the sides and underside thoroughly. Examine your gums and feel around the inside of your mouth with your fingers, checking for any changes in colour, unusual lumps or bumps, and textures or tenderness. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Early signs of mouth cancer often present as small, usually painless, flat patches that can appear red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches may develop on any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. If you notice any areas in your mouth that look or feel unusual, it’s always best to have them evaluated by your dentist or doctor to ensure early detection and treatment.
