The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is marked by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection leads to higher treatment success rates. People over 45 are at greater risk, but anyone should consider screening if they experience any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips (white or dark red)
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual texture changes
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- Unusual tongue sensations, change in taste, or difficulty swallowing
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviours and conditions can increase the risk of oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco use
- Possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure
- Poor diet or eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer is more common in men than women
- A history of leukoplakia (thick, whitish patches inside the mouth)
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment plans for oral cancer are personalized and depend on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of oral cancer screening is early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions. During the exam, your dentist will check for red or white patches, suspicious sores, lumps, or unusual textures inside your mouth and under your tongue. Your dentist may also examine the outside of your throat and neck for any lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are found during the screening, additional tests like a biopsy (removing a small tissue sample for lab analysis) or imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs) may be required. If cancer is confirmed, treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be necessary.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of oral cancer. Regular dental exams, quitting tobacco use, drinking responsibly, minimizing sun exposure, using UV-protective lip balms, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help. Additionally, during your daily brushing and flossing routine, be sure to check your mouth for any signs or symptoms and report concerns 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 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, you should schedule an appointment to get it checked.
Your dentist will examine your lips, the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel around for any lumps or unusual textures. The dentist may check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any lumps or tenderness.
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 lip up and your bottom lip down to check behind them. Use gauze or a cotton pad to help you grip your tongue and check its sides and underside. Feel the insides of your mouth for any lumps, bumps, or unusual textures. Look for colour changes, tenderness, or sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, and let your dentist know if you find anything concerning.
Early-stage mouth cancer often appears as small, flat patches that are usually painless. These patches may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. They can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. It’s always a good idea to have anything unusual checked out by your dentist or doctor.
It’s recommended to have an oral cancer screening during each routine dental exam, especially if you have risk factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or a family history of oral cancer.
Yes, oral cancer can be detected during a routine screening even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so regular check-ups are important.
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