Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. While individuals over the age of 45 are at a higher risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider undergoing an oral cancer screening:
- Discoloured Patches: White or dark red patches in the mouth or on the lips.
- Unfamiliar Lumps or Texture Changes: Unusual lumps or changes in the texture of oral tissues.
- Persistent Sores or Bleeding: Canker sores that do not heal, numb areas, or continuous bleeding.
- Altered Sensations or Difficulty Swallowing: An unusual feeling in the tongue, changes in taste, or trouble swallowing.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviours and conditions are associated with a higher risk of developing oral cancer:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco.
- Alcohol Consumption: Heavy or moderate alcohol intake, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Certain strains of HPV can affect the mouth.
- Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly affecting the lips.
- Poor Diet: Unhealthy eating habits and inadequate nutrition.
- Family History: A family history of oral cancer.
- Gender: Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- History of Leukoplakia: Presence of leukoplakia—a thick, whitish patch inside the mouth.
Being aware of these signs and risk factors can aid in early detection and prevention. If you notice any of these symptoms or have concerns about your risk, consider scheduling an oral cancer screening with your dentist or healthcare provider.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer is planned on a case-by-case basis, heavily depending on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is the early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or any suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or unusual textures and may assess the outside of your throat and neck for any lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are detected during your oral screening, you may be asked to undergo additional testing such as a biopsy, where a small piece of the suspicious tissue is removed for laboratory examination, or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI. To remove confirmed tumours, treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take steps now to help prevent oral cancer later. To reduce your risk, see your dentist regularly for routine exams, avoid using tobacco products, and consume alcohol responsibly. Be mindful of your exposure to direct sunlight and use UV-protective lip balms. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. During your routine brushing and flossing, remember to check your mouth for any signs or symptoms so you can report any concerns to your dentist promptly.
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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. Early detection is crucial, so if you’ve noticed any unusually coloured or textured patches in your mouth, or if you have a lump or persistent sore, you should schedule an appointment promptly to have it checked.
Your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will carefully feel for any lumps or unusual textures inside your mouth. Additionally, the dentist may examine your face, jaw, throat, and neck, checking for any lumps or areas of tenderness.
Performing regular self-examinations can help in the early detection of oral cancer. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and examine your lips by pulling your upper lip upward and your lower lip downward to inspect the inner surfaces. Use a piece of gauze or a clean cloth to gently grip your tongue, allowing you to check the sides and underside for any unusual patches or sores. Look at the roof of your mouth and the back of your throat, and feel along your gum line for any lumps or irregularities. Use your fingers to gently feel the inside of your cheeks and the floor of your mouth for any lumps, swelling, or areas of tenderness. You’re looking for colour changes, such as red, white, or dark patches, unexplained bumps, texture changes, or persistent sores. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks or any other concerning signs, contact your dentist or doctor for a professional evaluation.
Mouth cancer in its early stages may present as small, usually painless, flat patches that can appear red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop on any area of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof or floor of the mouth. Other early signs may include unexplained lumps, thickened areas, sores that do not heal, bleeding without an obvious cause, or changes in texture. You might also experience numbness, tenderness, or a feeling that something is caught in your throat. It’s important to be attentive to any unusual changes in your mouth. As a general rule, if you notice anything that looks or feels abnormal and it persists for more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to have it checked by your dentist or doctor promptly.
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