Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth develops in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. With early detection, treatment success rates are significantly higher. While those over 45 are at greater risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider an oral cancer screening:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips (white or dark red).
- Unusual lumps or changes in texture.
- Persistent sores, numb areas, or unexplained bleeding that don’t heal.
- Changes in tongue sensation, altered taste, or difficulty swallowing.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, including:
- Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco products.
- Heavy alcohol consumption – Especially when combined with tobacco.
- HPV infection – Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can affect the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure – Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer.
- Poor diet and nutrition – A lack of essential nutrients may contribute to cell abnormalities.
- Family history – Genetics can play a role in susceptibility.
- Gender – Oral cancer is more common in men than women.
- Leukoplakia history – The presence of thick, white patches inside the mouth may indicate precancerous changes.
If you have any of these symptoms or risk factors, regular oral cancer screenings are a proactive step in protecting your health.
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 your exam, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth, under your tongue, and around your lips for any red or white patches, sores, or unusual textures. They will also feel the tissues inside your mouth, throat, and neck for any lumps or abnormalities that could indicate a concern.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If any suspicious signs are found during your screening, your dentist may recommend further testing. This could include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for laboratory analysis, or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the area in more detail. Treatment will be planned based on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer. If a tumour is confirmed, treatment options may involve surgical removal, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to eliminate or control the cancer.
Preventing Oral Cancer
Taking proactive steps can help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. Scheduling regular dental exams is crucial for early detection, while avoiding tobacco products and limiting alcohol consumption can significantly lower exposure to harmful substances. Protecting your lips from UV damage by using lip balm with sun protection and minimizing direct sun exposure is another important preventive measure. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports overall health and strengthens the body’s defences. Additionally, paying close attention to any unusual sores, lumps, or colour changes in your mouth during daily brushing and flossing allows for early identification of potential concerns, ensuring you can report them to your dentist as soon as possible.
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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 any risk factors for oral cancer, it’s a good idea to request a screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice an unusual patch of colour or texture in your mouth, or if you find a lump or persistent sore, scheduling an appointment for an evaluation is strongly recommended.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue for any abnormalities. They will also feel for any lumps or unusual textures inside your mouth. In addition, your face, jaw, throat, and neck will be checked for any unusual swelling, tenderness, or changes that may require further evaluation.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Using a bathroom mirror, carefully examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your upper lip and lower your bottom lip to check behind them. You may find it helpful to use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to grip your tongue and check the sides and underside. Pay attention to any changes in colour, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or areas of tenderness. If you notice any sores that have not healed after two weeks, inform your dentist as soon as possible.
Early signs of oral cancer often appear as small, painless, flat patches that may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of the mouth. As a general rule, any area that looks or feels unusual should be checked by your dentist or doctor to ensure early detection and appropriate care.
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