The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer involves the abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When detected early, oral cancers have a high success rate for treatment. While people over 45 are at higher risk, anyone should consider oral cancer screening if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- Discolored patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red.
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture.
- Canker sores that do not heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding.
- Unusual sensations in your tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviors and conditions are linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco.
- A possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, particularly if you spend a lot of time in the sun.
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which causes thick, whitish patches in the mouth.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer will vary based on factors like the severity, type, and location of the cancer. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the more successful the treatment is likely to be.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The purpose of an oral cancer screening is 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, or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and may check your throat and neck for lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are found during the screening, you may need further tests like a biopsy (where a small sample of tissue is removed for examination) or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. In cases where cancer is confirmed, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be necessary to remove tumors.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take steps to reduce your risk of oral cancer. These include visiting your dentist regularly for exams, quitting tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure with UV protective lip balm, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and performing regular self checks of your mouth for signs of oral cancer.
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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 colored or textured patch, a lump, or a suspicious sore, schedule an appointment to have it checked out.
Your dentist will carefully examine your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel for lumps or unusual textures. Additionally, your dentist may examine your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any unusual 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 bottom lip down to inspect behind them. You can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue and check the sides and underside. Feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers to look for any color changes, lumps, bumps, or unusual textures. If you have any sores that have not healed after two weeks, inform your dentist.
Early stage mouth cancer may appear as small, typically painless, flat patches that are red, white, gray, 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. If you notice any unusual changes, it’s a good idea to have them checked by your dentist or doctor.
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