The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When caught early, oral cancers have a high success rate with treatment. While individuals over 45 are at higher risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider oral cancer screening:
- Discolored patches in the mouth or on the lips, including white or dark red spots
- Unusual lumps or changes in texture
- Canker sores that don’t heal, numb patches, or persistent bleeding
- Changes in tongue sensation, altered taste, or difficulty swallowing
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several habits and conditions increase the risk of developing oral cancer:
- Smoking or using tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderate alcohol consumption, especially combined with tobacco use
- Possible human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure, particularly to the lips
- Poor diet or nutritional habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer occurs more commonly in men than women
- History of leukoplakia (thick, whitish patches inside the mouth)
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment plans vary based on the type, severity, and location of the cancer.
Spotting Early Signs
During an oral cancer screening, your Dentist Toronto will thoroughly examine your mouth, including under the tongue, for suspicious red or white patches and sores. The dentist will also feel the tissues inside your mouth, throat, and neck for lumps or abnormal textures.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If suspicious signs are found, further testing such as a biopsy or imaging (X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) may be recommended. Treatment for confirmed cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
You can lower your risk by:
- Seeing your dentist regularly for exams
- Quitting tobacco products and drinking alcohol responsibly
- Protecting your lips from sun exposure with UV-blocking lip balm
- Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Checking your mouth regularly for any unusual signs and reporting concerns promptly
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 risk factors or notice any unusual patches, lumps, or sores in your mouth, ask our Dentist Toronto locals trust about scheduling an oral cancer screening during your next exam.
Your dentist will inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth, feeling for lumps or abnormal textures. They may also examine your face, jaw, throat, and neck for unusual lumps or tenderness.
In front of a mirror, examine your mouth thoroughly. Lift your lips, check your tongue’s sides and underside using gauze if needed, and feel your gums and inner cheeks. Look and feel for unusual bumps, discolorations, or soreness lasting more than two weeks.
Small, painless, flat patches that may be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These can appear anywhere in the mouth including lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and palate. Any unusual spots should be checked by your dentist promptly.
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