Know the Signs of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer begins with abnormal cell growth and can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. The chances of successful treatment are highest when caught early. People over the age of 45 are at greater risk, but anyone experiencing symptoms should seek screening.
- Patches inside your mouth or on your lips that are red or white in colour
- New lumps or changes in the texture of your mouth’s tissues
- Canker sores that do not heal, numb spots, or bleeding that does not stop
- Changes in how your tongue feels, taste disturbances, or difficulty swallowing
Watch for these warning signs:
Understand Your Risk Factors
Several lifestyle habits and conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer:
- Use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption
- Oral infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- High levels of sun exposure without protection
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history of oral cancer
- A prior diagnosis of leukoplakia, which appears as thick white patches inside the mouth
- Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer
Early Detection and Next Steps
Why screenings matter
Oral cancer screening is a quick and effective way to detect issues before they become serious. Your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for any unusual patches or sores. They will also feel the tissue for lumps or changes in texture and may gently press the outside of your neck and throat.
If something looks suspicious
If your dentist finds an area of concern, they may recommend further testing. This could include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is sent to a lab, or imaging tests like an Xray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. If oral cancer is confirmed, treatment options such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy may be discussed.
Preventing oral cancer
While not all cases are preventable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Avoid tobacco in all forms
- Limit alcohol intake
- Use sunscreen or lip balm with UV protection when outdoors
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Perform self checks and tell your dentist if you notice anything unusual
- Visit the dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings
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
Yes. If you have any known risk factors or have noticed a sore, lump, or discolouration in your mouth that has not gone away, ask for a screening during your regular dental exam.
Your dentist will look closely at your lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue. They will gently feel around the inside of your mouth, as well as your jaw, neck, and throat to detect any lumps or areas that feel unusual.
Yes. Wash your hands first. In front of a mirror, examine your lips, gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks. Gently pull your lips up and down to check behind them. You can use a clean piece of gauze or tissue to hold your tongue and look at its sides and underside. Look and feel for changes in colour, texture, or sensitivity. If you find a sore or lump that does not go away after two weeks, contact your dentist.
Early signs can appear as small patches that may be red, white, yellow, or gray. These spots are often flat and painless. They may be found on your tongue, lips, gums, or the roof of your mouth. Any area that looks or feels different should be brought to your dentist’s attention for further evaluation.
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