Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection greatly increases the chance of successful treatment. While people over 45 are at higher risk, anyone who notices the signs below should consider an oral cancer screening.
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, including white or dark red spots.
- Lumps, thickened areas, or changes in tissue texture.
- Canker sores that do not heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding.
- Changes in taste, unusual sensations in the tongue, or difficulty swallowing.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain habits and health conditions can increase your risk. Speak with your dentist if any of the following apply to you.
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or regular alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure affecting the lips and surrounding skin.
- A diet low in essential nutrients or poor eating habits.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Being male, since men are at higher risk than women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which presents as thick, whitish patches inside the mouth.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous changes as early as possible. During the exam, the dentist carefully inspects the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or unusual sores. They also feel the tissues of your mouth and check the outside of your throat and neck for lumps or changes in texture. Early detection greatly improves treatment success.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If the screening reveals any suspicious areas, further tests may be recommended. These can include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for lab analysis, or imaging such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI. If cancer is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery to remove tumours, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the type, severity, and location of the cancer.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by:
- Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and screenings.
- Avoiding tobacco products in all forms.
- Drinking alcohol in moderation.
- Protecting your lips from the sun with UV-blocking lip balm.
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Checking your mouth during daily brushing and flossing, and reporting any changes or symptoms to your dentist promptly.
Contact Us Today
Schedule your initial consultation and exam to start your path to a healthier smile. During your visit, we will examine your teeth, gums, and soft tissues, as well as the overall function and alignment of your bite. Our goal is to understand how your entire mouth looks and works before planning any treatment. Most importantly, we want to learn what you hope to achieve so we can create a plan that supports the health and appearance of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Watch for unusual changes such as white or red patches, persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, or lumps inside the mouth or on the lips. Any change in taste or difficulty swallowing should also be checked by a dentist.
Most dentists recommend an oral cancer screening once a year during your regular dental exam to catch any early signs of abnormal tissue growth.
People who smoke, use tobacco, drink alcohol heavily, or have high exposure to the sun are at increased risk. Infection with HPV and a family history of oral cancer can also raise risk factors.
Your dentist will carefully examine your mouth, lips, and tongue, feeling for lumps or abnormal textures and checking for red or white patches. They may also gently feel your neck and throat for swollen lymph nodes or unusual areas.
You can examine your mouth in a mirror once a month, looking for persistent sores, unusual patches, or lumps. Report anything unusual to your dentist right away for further evaluation.
No, the screening is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It can easily be added to your routine dental exam and takes only a few minutes.
Quit smoking and avoid all tobacco products, limit alcohol intake, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, protect your lips from sun exposure, and maintain regular dental checkups for early detection of any concerns.
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