Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat, and early detection dramatically improves treatment success rates. While the risk is higher for individuals over 45, it’s essential to consider screening if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips (white, red, or dark spots)
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
- Persistent canker sores, numb areas, or ongoing bleeding
- Unusual tongue sensations, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several lifestyle habits and conditions can elevate the risk of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or use of tobacco products
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco use
- Possible HPV infection in the mouth
- High sun exposure, which increases the risk for lip cancers
- Poor dietary habits or nutritional deficiencies
- Family history of oral cancer
- Higher prevalence in men and individuals with a history of leukoplakia (thick, whitish patches inside the mouth)
Oral cancer screenings are a proactive way to monitor for these risks and support your long-term health.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The main objective of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous changes early. During the exam, your dentist will thoroughly inspect your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or unusual sores, feeling the tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck for any lumps or irregular textures that may require further examination.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are found during the screening, your dentist may recommend additional tests, such as a biopsy (where a small sample of tissue is taken for lab analysis) or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Treatment plans are personalized, with options that may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the cancer’s severity, type, and location.
Preventing Oral Cancer
You can reduce your risk by adopting proactive habits, including regular dental exams, avoiding tobacco products, drinking responsibly, and limiting sun exposure with U/V protective lip balms. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can support oral health. While brushing and flossing, take a moment to check for any unusual signs in your mouth, and report any concerns to your dentist for timely guidance.
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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 for oral cancer, it’s wise to request a screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice any unusual patches, lumps, or sores in your mouth, it’s essential to schedule an appointment for further examination.
Your dentist will examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue, feeling for any lumps or unusual textures. They’ll also check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for lumps or tenderness.
To self-check, wash your hands thoroughly, then use a mirror to examine your mouth, including the roof, lips, gums, and tongue. Lift your lips, inspect behind them, and use a gauze or cotton pad to grip your tongue and check the sides and underside. Look and feel for colour changes, lumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. Report any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks to your dentist.
Early signs may include small, usually painless patches that appear red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can appear on any area of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof. It’s always best to have anything unusual checked by a dentist or doctor.
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