Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When caught early, treatment success rates are high. While those over 45 are at greater risk, anyone should consider screening if they experience:
- White, red, or dark patches in the mouth or on the lips
- Unusual lumps or changes in texture
- Sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding
- Changes in taste, tongue sensitivity, or difficulty swallowing
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
You may be at higher risk if you have any of the following:
- Use of tobacco products (smoking or chewing)
- Regular or heavy alcohol use, especially with tobacco
- HPV infection in the mouth
- Frequent sun exposure (especially affecting the lips)
- Poor nutrition or diet
- Family history of oral cancer
- Male gender
- History of leukoplakia (thick white patches in the mouth)
Routine oral cancer screenings can help detect early warning signs before they develop into more serious concerns.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Early Detection Through Screening
The primary goal of an oral cancer screening is to identify early signs of cancer or precancerous changes. During the exam, your dental professional will carefully inspect your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches, unusual sores, or lumps. They may also gently feel the tissues in your mouth, neck, and throat to check for any irregularities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If anything suspicious is found, additional testing may be recommended. This could include a biopsy—removing a small sample of tissue for lab analysis—or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, or an MRI. If cancer is confirmed, treatment options may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination, depending on the type, stage, and location of the tumour.
Oral Cancer Prevention
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, protecting your lips from sun exposure with UV-blocking lip balm, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Regular self-checks during brushing and flossing, along with routine dental visits, also play a key role in early detection and prevention.
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—especially if you have any risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of HPV. If you notice a discoloured patch, lump, or sore that isn’t healing, it’s best to book an appointment for a professional exam.
During a screening, your dentist will examine your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. They’ll also feel for any lumps or unusual textures inside your mouth, as well as along your jaw, neck, and throat.
Start by washing your hands. In front of a mirror, inspect your lips, tongue (including the underside), gums, and the roof of your mouth. Pull your lips away to see behind them, and feel inside your mouth with clean fingers for any unusual bumps, colour changes, or tenderness. Use gauze or a cotton pad for a better grip on your tongue. Let your dentist know if you notice any sore that hasn’t healed within two weeks.
Early signs often include small, flat, and usually painless patches that may appear red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can show up anywhere in the mouth. If you notice anything that looks or feels unusual, have it examined by your dentist or doctor.
No, the screening is quick and completely painless. It involves a visual inspection and gentle palpation of the mouth, jaw, and neck.
An oral cancer screening typically takes just a few minutes and is often included as part of your routine dental check-up.
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