The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow in areas like the lips, tongue, cheeks, or throat. When detected early, treatment outcomes are significantly more successful. While individuals over 45 are generally at higher risk, oral cancer screenings are important for anyone, regardless of age, especially if they’ve experienced any of the following:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, such as white or dark red areas
- Persistent canker sores, numb patches, or unusual bleeding
- Lumps, thickened tissues, or texture changes in the mouth
- Altered sense of taste or tongue sensations
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
The risk factors for oral cancer
Certain habits and health conditions can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. You may be at greater risk if you:
- Smoke or use tobacco products, including chewing tobacco
- Consume alcohol regularly or in large amounts, especially in combination with tobacco
- Have been exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Spend significant time in the sun without lip protection
- Maintain a poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
- Have a family history of oral cancer
- Are male, as oral cancer is more common in men
- Have a history of leukoplakia, a condition involving thick, white patches in the mouth
Prevention, detection, and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment is highly individualized and depends on the cancer’s location, severity, and type. The first and most important step is spotting signs early.
Spotting early signs of cancer
Oral cancer screening is all about early detection. During a screening, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue, looking for red or white patches or any unusual sores. They will also feel the tissues inside your mouth and along your neck and throat for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture that might need closer attention.
Diagnosis and treatment
If your dentist identifies a potential concern, you may be referred for further testing. This can include a biopsy (where a small tissue sample is taken for lab analysis) or imaging such as X rays, CT scans, or MRIs. If a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment might involve surgical removal of the affected tissue, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
If you’re unsure where to begin or need a professional consultation, visiting a Dentist in Vancouver British Columbia can help you assess your oral health risks and develop a personalized plan for prevention and monitoring.
Prevention of oral cancer
You can take simple, proactive steps to reduce your risk:
- Avoid tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Protect your lips from the sun with UV protective lip balm
- Eat a well balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables
- Perform regular self checks in the mirror to look for unusual patches, lumps, or sores
Visit your dentist routinely for checkups and professional screenings
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
Yes, especially if you have one or more risk factors. If you’ve noticed any unusual patches, sores, or lumps in your mouth, it’s best to have them examined as soon as possible.
Your dentist will inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue (top, bottom, and sides), and the roof and floor of your mouth. They’ll also feel your jaw, neck, and throat to check for any unusual textures, swelling, or tenderness.
Wash your hands and use a mirror in a well lit room. Examine your lips, tongue, gums, and the roof of your mouth. Pull your lips away gently to look behind them. Use clean gauze or a tissue to move your tongue and check all sides, especially underneath. Feel for bumps or texture changes. If you notice anything unusual that doesn’t go away in two weeks, see your dentist.
Early signs may appear as flat, painless patches in shades of white, red, gray, or yellow with red borders. These spots can show up anywhere in the mouth. Even if it seems minor, it’s best to have anything suspicious evaluated by your dentist. Early action is the best protection.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
