The Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop when abnormal cells begin to grow in areas such as the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Finding changes early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. While the risk of oral cancer increases after age 45, people of any age should be aware of potential warning signs. Consider an oral cancer screening if you notice any of the following:
- White, red, or unusually dark patches on your lips or inside your mouth.
- New lumps, swelling, or unexpected changes in the texture of oral tissues.
- Mouth sores that do not heal, areas of numbness, or unexplained and ongoing bleeding.
- Changes in how your tongue feels, an altered sense of taste, or difficulty swallowing.
The Risk Factors For Oral Cancer
Certain lifestyle habits, health conditions, and other factors may increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. These can include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco.
- Regularly consuming moderate to high amounts of alcohol, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
- Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can affect the mouth and throat.
- Frequent or prolonged exposure to the sun, which can increase the risk of cancer affecting the lips.
- A diet that is low in nutritious foods or generally poor eating habits.
- Having a family history of oral cancer.
- Being male, as oral cancer occurs more often in men than women.
- A history of leukoplakia, which causes thick, whitish patches to develop inside the mouth.
Prevention, Detection And Treatment Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer treatment is tailored to each patient and depends on factors such as the type, location, and stage of the cancer. If an area of concern is identified during a screening, your dentist can recommend the appropriate next steps and refer you for further evaluation when needed.
Recognizing Changes In Your Mouth
Oral cancer screenings are designed to identify unusual changes in the mouth before they become more serious. During your exam, your dentist will carefully examine your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the tissues beneath your tongue for unusual patches, sores, or other areas of concern. They may also gently feel the tissues in your mouth, jaw, neck, and throat to check for swelling, lumps, or changes in texture.
Confirming A Diagnosis And Planning Care
If your screening reveals a suspicious area, additional testing may be recommended to determine what is causing the change. This may include a biopsy, in which a small tissue sample is examined in a laboratory, or imaging such as X-rays, an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. If oral cancer is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments, depending on the individual case.
Steps To Reduce Your Risk
While not every case of oral cancer can be prevented, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Visit your dentist regularly for oral exams and screenings, avoid tobacco products, and limit alcohol consumption. Protect your lips from prolonged sun exposure by using a lip balm with UV protection. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also support your overall health. At home, check your mouth regularly while brushing and flossing, and let your dentist know about any changes that do not go away.
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
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
