The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. While individuals over the age of 45 face a higher risk, anyone can benefit from regular screenings, especially if you notice any of the following warning signs:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, often white or dark red
- Lumps or areas with an unusual texture
- Sores or numb spots that do not heal
- Changes in the way your tongue feels
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Persistent bleeding in the mouth
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it is important to get checked as soon as possible.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several lifestyle choices and health conditions can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Tobacco use, including smoking or chewing
- Frequent alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections
- Excessive sun exposure
- Poor nutrition or dietary habits
- A family history of oral cancer
- A prior history of leukoplakia
While oral cancer is more common in men, the most important takeaway is this: risk is not limited to any one group. If you fall into any of these categories, screening is strongly recommended.
Detection and Diagnosis
Spotting Early Signs
During a screening, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, and the soft tissues under your tongue. They will look for red or white patches, sores, or any other suspicious changes. Your dentist may also feel your neck, jaw, and throat for unusual lumps or swollen areas.
If Further Testing is Needed
If anything unusual is found, your dentist may recommend additional testing. This might include a biopsy or diagnostic imaging such as Xrays, CT scans, or an MRI. If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options will depend on the stage and location of the tumour and may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention and Peace of Mind
There are several simple but powerful ways you can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:
- Stop using tobacco in any form
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Use lip balm with UV protection
- Maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Perform regular self checks at home
- See your dentist regularly for exams and screenings
Making small changes today could have a major impact on your health in the future. Oral cancer screenings are quick, non invasive, and could make all the difference.
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 risk factors or symptoms, or even if you just want peace of mind, it is a smart idea to ask about oral cancer screening at your next dental visit.
Your dentist will examine your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the floor and roof of your mouth. They will also feel around your face, jaw, and neck to check for unusual lumps or textures.
Wash your hands and stand in front of a mirror. Check the inside of your lips, gums, and tongue for any discolouration, sores, or texture changes. Use your fingers to feel along your cheeks and neck. If you find anything suspicious that does not go away in two weeks, make an appointment with your dentist.
Early signs can appear as flat, discoloured patches, often red, white, grey, or yellow. These may show up on the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth. If something feels off, do not wait to get it looked at.
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