The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. While those over 45 are at higher risk, anyone should seek screening if they experience the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips (white or dark red)
- Unusual lumps or changes in texture
- Persistent canker sores, numb patches, or unexplained bleeding
- Changes in taste, unusual tongue sensations, or difficulty swallowing
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco
- HPV infection of the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure
- Poor diet or nutrition
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer is more common in men
- History of leukoplakia (a whitish patch inside the mouth)
If you identify with any of these symptoms or risk factors, it’s important to consider regular screenings for early detection.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
Oral cancer screenings aim to detect cancer or precancerous conditions early. During the exam, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches and sores. They’ll also feel the tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck for lumps or unusual textures.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If cancer signs are detected, further tests like biopsies, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be required. Treatment plans, depending on the severity and type of cancer, may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by seeing your dentist regularly, avoiding tobacco, drinking alcohol in moderation, protecting your lips from UV exposure, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regularly checking your mouth for any signs of concern to report 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 risk factors for oral cancer, it’s a good idea to request a screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice any unusual discolouration, lumps, or sores in your mouth, schedule an appointment to have them examined.
Your dentist will inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth for any abnormalities. They’ll also feel for lumps or unusual textures in your mouth, face, jaw, throat, and neck.
Wash your hands and stand in front of a mirror. Check the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and behind your lips. Use gauze or cotton to help grip your tongue and inspect the sides and underside. Feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers, looking for lumps, colour changes, or unusual textures. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed in two weeks, inform your dentist.
Early signs of mouth cancer can appear as small, flat, usually painless patches that may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth. It’s best to have any unusual changes checked by your doctor or dentist.
It’s recommended to include an oral cancer screening during your regular dental check-ups, at least once a year. This is especially important for people who have risk factors like smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, or a family history of oral cancer.
Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with some estimates suggesting that screenings could detect as many as 80% of new cases early. When caught early, the treatment is less invasive, and the survival rate is much higher
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