The Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection plays a vital role in improving treatment success. While the likelihood increases after age 45, anyone with the following symptoms should seek an oral cancer screening:
- Patches in the mouth or on the lips that are white or dark red.
- New growths or changes in the texture of oral tissues.
- Persistent sores that won’t heal, numbness, or unrelenting bleeding.
- Changes in the tongue, taste, or swallowing difficulty.
Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use in any form, such as smoking or chewing.
- Regular or high alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco.
- Exposure to HPV in the mouth.
- Excessive time in the sun, especially for those with outdoor-oriented lifestyles.
- Poor nutrition or unhealthy eating patterns.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Men are at a higher risk of oral cancer than women.
- A history of leukoplakia, featuring thick, white patches 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 in your mouth as early as possible. During the exam, your dentist will closely examine the inside of your mouth, including beneath your tongue, looking for unusual white or red patches or concerning sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth to identify any lumps or irregular textures. The assessment may extend to your throat and the outside of your neck to check for any abnormalities.
Diagnosis and treatment
If your screening indicates potential cancer, further diagnostic steps may be recommended, such as a biopsy to analyse a sample of the affected tissue, or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. When a tumour is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the case.
Prevention of oral cancer
Lowering your risk of oral cancer involves proactive habits and lifestyle changes. Schedule regular dental visits for examinations, avoid tobacco use, limit alcohol consumption, protect your lips from UV exposure with sunblock, maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and include an inspection of your mouth during your daily oral hygiene routine. Report any concerns or unusual findings to your dentist promptly. These actions can greatly reduce your risk over time.
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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 risk factors associated with oral cancer, it’s wise to request a screening during your routine dental exam. Additionally, if you notice any oddly coloured or textured areas in your mouth, or detect lumps or persistent sores, schedule an appointment to have them evaluated.
Dentists perform a thorough examination of your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and other areas inside your mouth. They will also feel for any unusual lumps or textures in these areas. The examination may include checking your jaw, face, throat, and neck for abnormalities or tenderness.
Begin by washing your hands with soap and warm water. Using a mirror, inspect the roof of your mouth, your lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your top lip and pull down your bottom lip to check beneath them. A piece of gauze or a cotton pad can help you grip your tongue to examine the sides and underside. Feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers, checking for colour changes, unusual lumps, bumps, textures, or tenderness. Report any sores lasting longer than two weeks to your dentist.
Early signs often include small, flat, and typically painless patches that may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can appear anywhere in the mouth, such as the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth. As a precaution, have anything unusual checked by your dentist or doctor promptly.
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