The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. With early detection, oral cancers have a high rate of successful treatment. Those most at risk are typically over the age of 45, but regardless of your age, you should consider oral cancer screening if you have experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red areas
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture
- Canker sores that will not heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- A strange feeling on the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
The risk factors for oral cancer
There are several behaviours and conditions linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderate alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure, especially without lip protection
- Poor diet or eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Being male, as oral cancer is more common in men
- A history of leukoplakia, which is a thick, whitish patch that can form inside the mouth
Prevention, detection, and treatment of oral cancer
Spotting early signs of cancer
The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During a screening, your dentist will check the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and may also examine your throat and neck for abnormalities.
Diagnosis and treatment
If anything suspicious is found, you may be referred for further testing. This could include a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed and tested in a lab, or imaging tests such as X rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. If cancer is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.
Preventing oral cancer
There are several ways to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Drink alcohol responsibly
- Protect your lips with UV blocking lip balm if you spend time in the sun
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Perform regular self checks of your mouth, and visit your dentist routinely
- Let your dentist know right away if you notice anything unusual
Contact us today
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 known risk factors, you should request an oral cancer screening during your routine dental exam. If you notice a strange patch, lump, or sore in your mouth, it is a good idea to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Your dentist will examine your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel for any unusual lumps, textures, or tenderness in your face, jaw, throat, and neck.
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap. In front of a mirror, check the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your top and bottom lips to see behind them. You can use a clean gauze pad or tissue to help grip and examine your tongue. Feel around the inside of your mouth for lumps or unusual textures. Look for any discolouration or changes that haven’t resolved in two weeks, and let your dentist know if anything concerns you.
Early signs may include small, painless, flat patches that appear red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth. If you see or feel something unusual, it is best to have it checked by your dentist or doctor.
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