Recognizing the signs of oral cancer
Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin growing in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When caught early, many oral cancers can be successfully treated. While the risk increases with age, especially after forty five, anyone who notices persistent or unusual symptoms should consider an oral cancer screening.
You may want to request a screening if you have noticed:
- Discoloured patches inside the mouth or on the lips, especially white or dark red areas
- Lumps, changes in texture, or unusual thickness
- Canker sores that do not heal, numb areas, or frequent bleeding
- A change in the way your tongue feels, loss of taste, or difficulty swallowing
Who is at greater risk for oral cancer?
Several lifestyle choices and health factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Regular or heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can affect the mouth and throat
- Long term sun exposure, especially on the lips
- Poor nutrition or low fruit and vegetable intake
- A family history of oral cancer
- A history of leukoplakia, which presents as thick white patches in the mouth
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women
How we detect and treat oral cancer
Each case is unique and treatment depends on the location, severity, and type of cancer. However, early detection remains the most important factor in improving outcomes.
What to expect during a screening
During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will inspect your mouth for sores, discoloured areas, or patches that stand out. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth and check your tongue, cheeks, and lips. In addition, they may feel your neck and throat for lumps or swelling. The goal is to detect any unusual changes as early as possible.
What happens if something suspicious is found?
If your dentist finds an area that looks abnormal, further testing will be recommended. This might include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken and sent to a lab, or imaging tests such as an X ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. If a diagnosis is confirmed, treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be discussed.
Steps you can take to help prevent oral cancer
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent cancer, there are several actions you can take to reduce your risk:
- Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings
- Avoid tobacco products in all forms
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Use lip balm with UV protection if you spend time in the sun
- Eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Perform self checks at home for any unusual sores or changes
If you are looking for a Brantford Dentist who provides thorough oral cancer screenings during routine visits, our team is here to support your health and peace of mind.
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 any of the known risk factors or if you have noticed unusual patches, lumps, or sores that are not healing. It is better to check early and rule out any serious concerns.
Your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. They will also gently feel for any lumps in your jaw, neck, and throat areas to identify anything unusual.
Yes, a basic self check is easy to do. Wash your hands thoroughly, then stand in front of a mirror. Use a cotton pad or tissue to help grip your tongue and examine the sides and underside. Look closely at your gums, the roof of your mouth, and under your lips. Feel along the inside of your cheeks and the base of your mouth. You are looking for changes in colour, texture, or tenderness. If you notice any sores that have not healed in two weeks, book a dental appointment.
Early signs often appear as small, flat patches that may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red borders. These patches can show up anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, or cheeks. If you see or feel anything unusual, it is a good idea to get it checked by your doctor or dentist.
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