The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. With early detection, oral cancers have a high rate of successful treatment. People over the age of 45 are at greater risk, but oral cancer screening is recommended for anyone experiencing the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including white or dark red areas
- Lumps or unusual changes in texture
- Canker sores that do not heal, numb areas or ongoing bleeding
- Changes in taste, tongue discomfort or difficulty swallowing
The risk factors for oral cancer
Certain behaviours and health conditions increase your risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products
- Heavy or consistent alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure
- Poor diet or nutritional deficiencies
- Family history of oral cancer
- History of leukoplakia (white or thick patches in the mouth)
Oral cancer is also statistically more common in men than in women.
Prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer
Oral cancer screenings are simple, effective tools used to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions early. A Brantford Dentist will perform a thorough visual and physical examination to ensure nothing is missed.
Spotting early signs of cancer
During a screening, the dentist will inspect the entire mouth including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and under the tongue. They will feel the soft tissues in your mouth and the outer areas of the neck and throat to check for abnormalities. This allows them to identify red or white patches, sores, or lumps that may need further testing.
Diagnosis and treatment
If anything suspicious is found, your dentist may refer you for further testing. This could include a biopsy, X ray, CT scan, ultrasound or MRI. If cancer is confirmed, treatment could involve surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy depending on the severity and location of the issue.
Preventing oral cancer
You can lower your risk by following some simple lifestyle and oral health habits:
- Visit your dentist regularly for routine exams
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol use
- Eat a balanced, nutrient rich diet
- Use sun protection on your lips
- Perform self checks and report changes to your dentist
Being proactive with regular screenings can make all the difference.
Prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment will be planned on a case by case basis and will heavily depend on the severity, type and location of the suspected cancer.Spotting early signs of cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is the early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist will look over the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. Your dentist will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or odd textures and may also feel the outside of your throat and neck for lumps.
Diagnosis and treatment
If signs of cancer are detected during your oral screening you may be asked to undergo additional testing such as a biopsy (where a small piece of the suspicious tissue is removed for lab examination) or imaging tests like Xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans or an MRI. To remove confirmed tumours, surgery or chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.
Prevention of oral cancer
You can take steps now to help prevent oral cancer later. To help reduce your risk of oral cancer see your dentist regularly for routine exams, stop using tobacco products and drink responsibly, be mindful of your exposure to direct sunlight and use U/V protective lip balms, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and during your routine brushing and flossing rituals, remember to check your mouth for signs or symptoms so that you can report any concerns to your dentist.
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 or have noticed suspicious patches, sores or lumps in your mouth, it is strongly recommended to get screened at your next dental exam.
Your dentist will carefully inspect all areas of your mouth and feel for any lumps or changes in texture. They may also check your face, jaw and neck for swelling or tenderness.
Wash your hands thoroughly and use a mirror in good lighting. Look closely at your lips, gums, cheeks and tongue. Use a clean gauze pad to grip and move your tongue to see underneath. Use your fingers to feel for any lumps, thick areas or tender spots. If anything feels or looks different and does not go away within two weeks, schedule an appointment.
It often begins as small, flat patches that are red, white, gray or yellow with defined edges. These can appear on the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue or roof of the mouth. If you notice any unusual spots or persistent changes, consult your dentist promptly.
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