The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer starts with abnormal cell growth in areas such as the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When found early, oral cancer has a high chance of successful treatment. People over the age of 45 are at greater risk, but regardless of your age, you should consider oral cancer screening if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Discoloured patches inside your mouth or on your lips, which may be white or dark red
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
- Sores that will not heal, numb patches, or bleeding that lasts
- A strange feeling on the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
The risk factors for oral cancer
Certain habits and conditions increase the chance of developing oral cancer, including:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco
- Drinking alcohol heavily or moderately, especially when combined with tobacco use
- Possible infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth
- Spending excessive time in the sun without protection
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer occurs more often in men than women
- A history of leukoplakia, which are thick, white patches inside the mouth
Prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment plans depend on the specific type, severity, and location of the cancer or suspicious tissue.
Spotting early signs of cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is to find cancer or precancerous changes early. During the exam, your dentist will carefully check inside your mouth and under your tongue for white or red patches or unusual sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth, as well as your throat and neck, to detect lumps or strange textures.
Diagnosis and treatment
If suspicious signs are found, you may need further tests such as a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for laboratory analysis. Other imaging tests may include X rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI. If cancer is confirmed, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention of oral cancer
You can lower your risk by taking some simple steps:
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine exams
- Stop using tobacco products and limit alcohol consumption
- Protect your lips from sun exposure by using a lip balm with UV protection
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- While brushing and flossing, check your mouth for any unusual signs and report them to your dentist
At our Dental Office in Etobicoke, we prioritize early detection and education to help you protect your oral health.
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 risk factors, it is wise to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice unusual coloured or textured patches, lumps, or sores, schedule an appointment promptly for evaluation.
Your dentist will examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will carefully feel your mouth’s tissues and may also check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for lumps or tenderness.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Using a mirror, inspect the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your top lip and pull down your bottom lip to see behind them. You can use gauze or a cotton pad to help hold your tongue while checking the sides and underside. Feel inside your mouth with your fingers to look for colour changes, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you notice sores that have not healed after two weeks, inform your dentist.
Early signs usually appear as small, painless flat patches that can be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches can occur anywhere in the mouth including lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. As a general rule, any unusual spots or sensations should be examined by your doctor or dentist.
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