The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer occurs due to abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Although individuals over 45 are at higher risk, oral cancer screening is recommended for anyone experiencing the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, often white or dark red.
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture.
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding.
- Changes in the tongue’s sensation, altered sense of taste, or difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions are linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, including:
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco.
- Alcohol consumption: Heavy or frequent alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco.
- Potential HPV infection affecting the mouth.
- Excessive sun exposure, particularly for those with high outdoor activity levels.
- Poor diet or inadequate nutrition.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Higher prevalence in men compared to women.
- History of leukoplakia, a thick, whitish patch inside the mouth.
If you identify with any of these symptoms or risk factors, contact your Kitchener dental office to schedule an oral cancer screening. Early detection is crucial in protecting your health and well-being.
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
By prioritizing early detection, routine prevention, and seeking timely treatment, you can significantly improve outcomes and safeguard your oral health.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The primary goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions early. During your screening, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for unusual red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for lumps or unusual textures and check your throat and neck for any external lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your screening reveals signs of cancer, additional tests may be recommended. These could include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for lab analysis, or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans. Treatment will be tailored to the specific case and may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to remove or manage confirmed tumours.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups for routine exams and screenings are essential. Avoiding tobacco products, consuming alcohol responsibly, minimizing sun exposure, and using UV-protective lip balm can help. Maintaining a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables is also beneficial. Incorporating regular self-checks during your brushing and flossing routine to spot any unusual changes and promptly reporting concerns to your dentist can further protect your oral health.
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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 an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. Additionally, if you’ve noticed an unusually coloured or textured patch, a lump, or a suspicious sore in your mouth, it’s strongly recommended that you schedule an appointment to have it evaluated.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will thoroughly examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth and check your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any lumps, tenderness, or unusual textures.
Start by washing your hands with warm, soapy water. Using a bathroom mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your top lip up and bottom lip down to check behind them. You can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad for a better grip when examining the sides and underside of your tongue. Look at your gums and feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers. Check for colour changes, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, notify your dentist promptly.
In the early stages, mouth cancer often appears as small, flat patches that are usually painless. These patches may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. They can occur on any area of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of the mouth. As a general rule, anything unusual in appearance or sensation should be checked by your dentist or doctor.
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