What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer develops when abnormal cells begin to grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Caught early, oral cancer has one of the highest treatment success rates of any cancer, which is why routine oral cancer screening matters so much. While adults over 45 face a higher risk, oral cancer can affect anyone, so it’s worth booking a screening if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches inside your mouth or on your lips, whether white, red, or dark in colour.
- New lumps, bumps, or areas of unusual texture that weren’t there before.
- Sores or canker sores that won’t heal, along with numb patches or unexplained bleeding.
- A tongue that feels different than usual, changes in your sense of taste, or trouble swallowing.
What Increases Your Risk of Oral Cancer?
Certain habits and health conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Being aware of these risk factors can help you and your dentist decide how often you should be screened. They include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.
- Heavy or moderate alcohol use, particularly when combined with tobacco.
- Possible infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth.
- Frequent, unprotected exposure to the sun.
- A diet lacking in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients that support oral health.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Being male, since oral cancer occurs more often in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia, a thick, whitish patch that can develop inside the mouth.
Oral Cancer Prevention, Detection, and Treatment
Every case of oral cancer is different, so treatment is always planned individually based on the severity, type, and location of the suspected cancer.
Spotting the Early Signs of Oral Cancer
The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to catch cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth as early as possible. During your exam, your dentist will carefully check the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches, sores, or other suspicious changes. Your dentist will also gently feel the soft tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual texture, along with the outside of your throat and neck, since early detection plays a major role in successful treatment outcomes.
Diagnosing and Treating Oral Cancer
If your dentist notices any signs of concern during your oral cancer screening, you may be referred for further testing, such as a biopsy, where a small sample of the suspicious tissue is examined in a lab, or imaging like Xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI. If a tumour is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on your specific diagnosis.
How to Help Prevent Oral Cancer
The good news is there’s a lot you can do now to lower your risk of oral cancer later. Visiting your dentist regularly for routine exams, avoiding tobacco products, and drinking alcohol in moderation are some of the most effective steps you can take. It also helps to limit your sun exposure and use a U/V protective lip balm, eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and check your own mouth regularly during brushing and flossing for anything unusual so you can bring it up with your dentist right away.
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