The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. The good news? Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. While those over 45 are at a higher risk, anyone should consider an oral cancer screening if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, appearing white or dark red.
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture.
- Canker sores that don’t heal, numb spots, or persistent bleeding.
- Changes in how your tongue feels, altered sense of taste, or difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Key risk factors include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Potential infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, especially for those with an outdoor lifestyle.
- A poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than women.
- A history of leukoplakia (a thick, white-coloured patch that forms inside the mouth).
Being aware of these risk factors can help in taking preventive measures and making informed decisions about oral cancer screening.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Personalized Treatment Plans
Oral cancer treatment is tailored to each individual, depending on the severity, type, and location of the cancer. A customized approach ensures the best possible care for each patient.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The primary goal of an oral cancer screening is to identify cancer or precancerous conditions early. During a screening, your dentist examines the inside of your mouth and under your tongue, looking for red or white patches or unusual sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for any lumps or changes in texture and may check your throat and neck for any abnormalities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your dentist identifies signs of cancer during a screening, you may need further testing. This could include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for lab analysis, or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI. If a tumour is confirmed, treatment options might include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to remove or reduce the tumour.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Taking steps now can lower your risk of developing oral cancer later on. Consider the following:
- Schedule regular dental exams for early detection.
- Quit using tobacco products and consume alcohol in moderation.
- Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure with U/V protective lip balms.
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- During your daily brushing and flossing routine, check your mouth for any unusual changes or symptoms, and share any concerns with your dentist.
Being proactive with prevention and screenings can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being.
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 for oral cancer, it’s wise to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exams. Additionally, if you notice any unusually coloured or textured patches, lumps, or suspicious sores in your mouth, you should schedule an appointment to get them checked out.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They’ll also feel around your mouth for lumps or unusual textures. This examination may extend to your face, jaw, throat, and neck to identify any abnormal lumps or tenderness.
Start by washing your hands with warm, soapy water. Using a mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your top lip and lower your bottom lip to look behind them. A piece of gauze or a cotton pad can help you grip your tongue to check its sides and underside. Feel your gums and the inside of your mouth with your fingers, checking for any colour changes, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you have sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, let your dentist know.
Early signs of mouth cancer may appear as small, usually painless, flat patches that are red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can show up anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of the mouth. As a general rule, it’s always best to consult your dentist or doctor if you notice anything that looks or feels out of the ordinary.
Hear are some of the voices with great things to say about the way we do dental care!
Kids Love Wellesley Dental
Google Verified Patient Reviews
