The Signs And Symptoms Of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer arises from the abnormal growth of cells in areas like the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Detecting these cancers early greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. While those over 45 are most at risk, it’s important for everyone to be vigilant. Consider getting screened if you notice any of these signs:
- Unusual patches of white or dark red in the mouth or on the lips
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in the texture of your mouth tissues
- Sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or ongoing bleeding
- Changes in tongue sensation, taste, or difficulty swallowing
The risk factors for oral cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. These risk factors include:
- Smoking or using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Consuming alcohol heavily or moderately, especially in combination with tobacco use
- Possible HPV (human papillomavirus) infection in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure
- Poor diet or unhealthy eating habits
- Family history of oral cancer
- Higher incidence in men compared to women
- Oral cancer occurs more frequently in men than in women.
- History of leukoplakia, characterized by thick, whitish patches inside the mouth
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
The approach to treating oral cancer is tailored to each patient, relying heavily on the cancer’s stage, specific type, and its location within the mouth.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
An oral cancer screening’s main objective is to detect cancer or precancerous conditions early. Your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for unusual sores or red and white patches. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for irregular textures or lumps. Additionally, your dentist may check the outside of your throat and neck for any lumps.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Should any signs of cancer be identified during your oral screening, you might need to undergo additional tests, such as a biopsy (where a small sample of the suspicious tissue is taken for laboratory analysis) or imaging tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, CT scans, or an MRI. Treatment for confirmed tumours may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to remove them.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
There are several proactive measures you can take to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection. Quitting tobacco products and drinking alcohol in moderation are crucial steps. Protect your lips from sun exposure with UV-protective lip balms. Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, during your daily brushing and flossing routine, inspect your mouth for any unusual signs or symptoms and report any concerns to your dentist 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.
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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
It’s a good idea to incorporate an oral cancer screening into your routine dental visits if you have any risk factors. Schedule an appointment if you detect any oddly coloured or textured patches, lumps, or suspicious sores in your mouth to have them checked out.
To detect oral cancer, your dentist will carefully inspect your mouth, including your lips, gums, cheeks, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel for any unusual textures or lumps. Additionally, they will palpate your face, neck, jaw, and throat to identify any abnormal tenderness or lumps.
First, wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Stand in front of a mirror and inspect the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your upper lip and lower your bottom lip to check behind them. Use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to grip your tongue and examine its sides and underside. Carefully feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers and closely examine your gums. Look for any changes in color, lumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you notice sores that haven’t healed within two weeks, be sure to inform your dentist.
What Do Early Stages of Mouth Cancer Look Like?
Yes, oral cancer can metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bones. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the spread of cancer.
Yes, several lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. These include avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, using UV-protective lip balm, and having regular dental check-ups for early detection.
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