The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection significantly increases the success rate of treatment. People over the age of 45 are at the highest risk for oral cancers, but regardless of age, you should consider an oral cancer screening if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red in colour.
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
- Canker sores that don’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding.
- Unusual sensations in the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several behaviours and conditions are associated with a higher risk of oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or moderately heavy alcohol consumption (especially combined with tobacco use).
- Possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, especially on the lips.
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits.
- Family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia (thick, whitish patches inside the mouth).
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment will be tailored to each case, based on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During the exam, your dentist will check the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or unusual textures and may examine the outside of your neck and throat for lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If signs of cancer are detected during your oral screening, additional tests, such as a biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue for lab testing) or imaging tests like X rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs, may be required. Surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be necessary to remove confirmed tumours.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can take proactive steps to help reduce your risk of oral cancer. To help prevent oral cancer, see your dentist regularly for routine exams, stop using tobacco products, drink alcohol in moderation, be mindful of sun exposure, use UV protective lip balms, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and incorporate self checks during routine brushing and flossing to identify any potential signs or symptoms. If you notice anything unusual, be sure to report it to your Dental Office North York.
Prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment will be planned on a case by case basis and will heavily depend on the severity, type and location of the suspected cancer.Spotting early signs of cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is the early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist will look over the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. Your dentist will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or odd textures and may also feel the outside of your throat and neck for lumps.
Diagnosis and treatment
If signs of cancer are detected during your oral screening you may be asked to undergo additional testing such as a biopsy (where a small piece of the suspicious tissue is removed for lab examination) or imaging tests like Xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans or an MRI. To remove confirmed tumours, surgery or chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.
Prevention of oral cancer
You can take steps now to help prevent oral cancer later. To help reduce your risk of oral cancer see your dentist regularly for routine exams, stop using tobacco products and drink responsibly, be mindful of your exposure to direct sunlight and use U/V protective lip balms, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and during your routine brushing and flossing rituals, remember to check your mouth for signs or symptoms so that you can report any concerns to your dentist.
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 of the risk factors for oral cancer, it is a good idea to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. If you discover an unusually coloured or textured patch in your mouth, or a lump or suspicious sore, schedule an appointment to get it checked out.
Your dentist will examine your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will carefully feel around for any lumps or unusual textures and may also feel your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any lumps or tenderness.
Wash your hands with warm, soapy water. In front of a bathroom mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, your lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your top lip up and your bottom lip down to check behind them. Use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue, making it easier to check the sides and underside. Feel the insides of your mouth with your fingers, looking for 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 oral cancer may appear as small, usually painless, flat patches that are red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can appear on the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. As a general rule, it is a good idea to have anything that looks or feels unusual checked by your doctor or dentist.
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