The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to abnormal cell growth in areas such as the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat. When caught early, it has a high chance of being successfully treated. While individuals over 45 are at the highest risk, oral cancer can affect people of all ages. You should consider scheduling a screening if you’ve experienced any of the following:
- White, red, or dark patches inside your mouth or on your lips
- Lumps, thickening, or unusual texture in your mouth
- Persistent canker sores, bleeding, or numb areas that won’t heal
- Changes in taste, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or an odd sensation in your tongue
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain lifestyle habits and medical conditions can increase your likelihood of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Tobacco use (including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco)
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption (especially in combination with tobacco)
- HPV infection, particularly strains affecting the mouth and throat
- High sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer
- Poor nutrition or diets low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history of oral or other types of cancer
- History of leukoplakia, a condition that causes thick, white patches in the mouth
- Biological sex, as oral cancer is more common in men
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
Early Detection Saves Lives
The primary goal of oral cancer screening is to identify signs of cancer or precancerous changes as early as possible. During your screening, the dentist will:
- Visually inspect your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth
- Look for patches, sores, or discolorations
- Gently feel the tissues inside your mouth for lumps or texture changes
- Examine your jaw, neck, and throat for swelling or tenderness
Diagnostic Follow-Up
If any abnormalities are found, further diagnostic steps may include:
- A biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken for lab analysis
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs
- Referral to a specialist for additional evaluation or treatment
Should cancer be confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of approaches, depending on the cancer’s type, stage, and location.
How to Reduce Your Risk
There are several proactive steps you can take to lower your chances of developing oral cancer:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Protect your lips with SPF-containing balms if you’re often in the sun
- Perform monthly self-checks and report any unusual changes to your dentist
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional oral cancer screenings
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—such as tobacco use, high alcohol intake, or a history of oral issues—it’s wise to request a screening at your next dental exam. If you’ve noticed a sore, lump, or patch in your mouth that hasn’t gone away within two weeks, schedule an appointment right away.
During a screening, your dentist will inspect all parts of your mouth—including your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. They’ll also gently palpate your neck, throat, and jaw to feel for any lumps, swelling, or unusual textures.
Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Stand in front of a mirror and examine the inside of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums. Use a clean gauze pad to gently grip your tongue and inspect the sides and underside. Look for color changes, persistent sores, or any thickened areas. If you notice anything unusual that doesn’t improve in two weeks, speak to your dentist.
Early signs can appear as small, flat patches that are red, white, grey, or yellow—often with irregular or red edges. These patches can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and roof of the mouth. If something looks or feels out of the ordinary, it’s best to get it checked promptly. Early detection is key.
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