Signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in areas like the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When caught early, treatment success rates are high. While people over 45 are at greatest risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider oral cancer screening:
- Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips, including white or dark red spots
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture
- Sores that won’t heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding
- Unusual tongue sensations, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing
Risk factors for oral cancer
Several behaviours 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 infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure, especially on the lips
- Poor diet and eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than women
- History of leukoplakia, a thick white patch in the mouth
Protect your health with routine oral cancer screenings from a trusted Dentist in Toronto Ontario. Contact us today to schedule your screening.
Prevention, detection, and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment depends on the type, severity, and location of the cancer and is tailored to each patient’s needs.
Spotting early signs of oral cancer
The purpose of oral cancer screening is to find cancer or precancerous changes early. During the exam, your dentist will carefully inspect your mouth and tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth and check your throat and neck for lumps or unusual textures.
Diagnosis and treatment
If any signs are found, further testing such as a biopsy or imaging like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be needed. Treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to remove or destroy tumours.
Preventing oral cancer
Reduce your risk by visiting your dentist regularly for checkups. Stop using tobacco products and drink alcohol in moderation. Protect your lips from the sun by using U/V protective lip balm. Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. During your daily oral care routine, check your mouth for unusual signs and report concerns to your dentist immediately.
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 unusual patches, lumps, or sores in your mouth, ask for an oral cancer screening at your next dental visit. Early detection is critical.
Your dentist will examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel your face, jaw, throat, and neck for any lumps or tenderness.
Wash your hands well. In front of a mirror, examine your lips, gums, tongue, and roof of your mouth. Lift your upper lip and lower lip to see behind them. Use gauze or a cotton pad to hold your tongue and check its sides and underside. Look and feel for colour changes, lumps, bumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. Report any sores lasting more than two weeks to your dentist.
Early signs include small, usually painless, flat patches that may be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These can appear on lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or the roof of the mouth. If you notice anything unusual, have it checked by your dentist promptly.
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