The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer is characterized from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. With early detection, oral cancers have a high rate of successful treatment. The people at the greatest risk for oral cancers are those over the age of 45 but regardless of your age, you should opt for oral cancer screening if you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips including white or dark red in colour.
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches or persistent bleeding.
- Unusual feeling tongue, change in sense of taste and difficulty swallowing.
The risk factors for oral cancer
There are several behaviours and conditions that are associated with a higher risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or consuming tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderately heavy consumption of alcohol (especially combined with tobacco)
- Possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth.
- Excessive exposure to the sun; a lifestyle that includes lots of sun exposure.
- A poor diet or poor eating habits.
- Family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia (a thick, whitish-colour patch that develops inside the mouth)
The Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When detected early, oral cancers can be effectively treated. Those most susceptible to oral cancers are individuals aged 45 and above. However, regardless of age, it is recommended to undergo oral cancer screening if you have encountered any of the subsequent symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips, including shades of white or dark red.
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
- Canker sores that resist healing, numb patches, or consistent bleeding.
- Unusual sensations in the tongue, alterations in taste perception, and difficulties in swallowing.
The risk factors for oral cancer
There are several behaviours and conditions that are associated with a higher risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or consuming tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderately heavy consumption of alcohol (especially combined with tobacco)
- Possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth.
- Excessive exposure to the sun; a lifestyle that includes lots of sun exposure.
- A poor diet or poor eating habits.
- Family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia (a thick, whitish-colour patch that develops inside the mouth)
Prevention, Detection And Treatment Of Oral Cancer
The approach to treatment will be tailored to each individual case, closely considering the seriousness, variety, and site of the suspected cancer.
Spotting early signs of cancer
An oral cancer screening aims to detect cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth at an early stage. During the examination, your dentist will carefully examine the interior of your mouth and the area beneath your tongue, searching for any red or white patches or potentially concerning sores. Additionally, your dentist will palpate the tissues in your mouth to identify any lumps or unusual textures. There might also be an assessment of your throat and neck for the presence of any lumps.
Diagnosis and treatment
In case indications of cancer are identified during your oral screening, you might be requested to undergo supplementary assessments such as a biopsy (which involves extracting a small portion of the questionable tissue for laboratory analysis) or imaging procedures like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or an MRI. To eliminate verified tumours, the potential treatments could involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention of oral cancer
You have the opportunity to proactively lower the chances of developing oral cancer in the future. To effectively diminish the risk of oral cancer, ensure you maintain regular visits to your dentist for routine check-ups, cease the use of tobacco items, practice responsible alcohol consumption, be cautious of direct sunlight exposure and apply UV-protective lip balms, adopt a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and incorporate a habit of inspecting your mouth for any potential signs or symptoms while carrying out your daily brushing and flossing routine. Should you notice any concerns, promptly inform your dentist for further evaluation.
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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 possess any of the risk factors associated with oral cancer, it’s advisable to request an oral cancer screening during your routine dental examination. Should you come across an abnormally coloured or textured area in your mouth, or notice a lump or questionable sore, it is recommended that you arrange an appointment to have it examined by a healthcare professional.
During your dental visit, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your lips and the interior of your mouth, encompassing your cheeks, gums, and all areas of your tongue. They will also conduct a meticulous tactile examination, checking for any abnormalities or atypical textures. Additionally, the dentist might palpate your face, jaw, throat, and neck to identify any uncommon lumps or sensitivity.
Wash your hands with warm soapy water. In front of your bathroom mirror, you’ll want to examine the roof of your mouth, your lips, tongue and gums. Pull your top lip up and bottom lip down to see behind them. You may use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help you grip your tongue to check the sides and underside. Do your best to look at your gums, and use your fingers to feel the insides of your mouth. You’re looking and feeling for colour changes, lumps and bumps, unusual textures or tenderness. Let your dentist know if you have any sores that have not healed after two weeks.
Small flat patches, typically painless, may manifest in shades of red, white, grey, or yellow with reddish borders. These minute patches have the potential to develop in any region of the mouth, encompassing the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and palate. As a general guideline, it’s advisable to have anything that appears or feels unusual examined by your healthcare provider or dentist.
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