Recognizing Possible Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in areas such as the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. Finding these changes early can make treatment more effective. While the risk increases for people over the age of 45, oral cancer can affect anyone.
Consider an oral cancer screening if you have noticed any of the following symptoms:
- White, dark red or other unusual patches on your lips or inside your mouth.
- New lumps, bumps or noticeable changes in the texture of your oral tissues.
- Canker sores that do not heal, areas of numbness or unexplained bleeding.
- Changes in how your tongue feels, altered taste or ongoing difficulty swallowing.
Factors That Can Increase Oral Cancer Risk
Certain habits, lifestyle factors and health conditions may increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. These can include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco.
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affecting the mouth or throat.
- Frequent or prolonged exposure to the sun, which can affect the lips.
- A diet that lacks a variety of nutritious foods.
- Having a family history of oral cancer.
- Being male, as oral cancer occurs more often in men than women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which causes thick, whitish patches to form inside the mouth.
Oral Cancer Screening, Diagnosis And Prevention
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs and will depend on factors such as the type, location and stage of the cancer.
Identifying Oral Cancer Early
Oral cancer screenings are designed to help identify unusual changes, including cancerous or precancerous areas, as early as possible. During your exam, your dentist will carefully check your mouth, gums and tongue for red or white patches, sores or other areas that look unusual. They may also gently feel the tissues inside your mouth, along with your neck and throat, to identify any lumps or changes in texture.
Further Testing And Treatment
If your dentist notices an area that needs a closer look, try not to worry. Many unusual spots or changes are not cancerous, but additional testing can help determine the cause. This may include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is collected for laboratory examination, or imaging such as X-rays, an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI. If oral cancer is confirmed, your healthcare team will discuss the available treatment options with you and create a plan based on your specific needs. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of approaches, and early detection can provide more treatment options.
Steps To Help Prevent Oral Cancer
While not every case of oral cancer can be prevented, healthy habits can help lower your risk. Visit your dentist regularly for comprehensive exams, avoid tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption. Protect your lips from prolonged sun exposure by using a lip balm with UV protection. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can also support your overall health. When brushing and flossing, take a moment to check your mouth for unusual changes and let your dentist know about any concerns.
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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 one or more factors that may increase your risk of oral cancer, talk with your dentist about screening during your regular dental visits. You should also arrange an appointment if you notice a sore, lump, unusual patch or change in the colour or texture of your mouth that does not seem to go away.
Your dentist will take a close look at your lips and the tissues inside your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, tongue and the roof of your mouth. They may gently feel these areas to check for swelling, lumps or changes in texture. Your jaw, face, neck and throat may also be checked for anything unusual.
A simple mouth check can help you become familiar with how your mouth normally looks and feels. With clean hands and a mirror, look closely at your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks and the roof of your mouth. Gently move your tongue to view the sides and underside, and feel around your mouth for any unusual lumps, bumps or tender areas. If a sore or other change lasts for more than two weeks, contact your dentist for advice.
Early oral cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular dental examinations are important. Possible changes can include flat red, white or mixed-colour patches, sores that do not heal, lumps or areas with an unusual texture. These changes can occur on the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue or roof of the mouth. If something looks or feels different from normal, having it checked by your dentist or doctor can provide reassurance and help identify the cause.
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