The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer may begin with subtle symptoms that can often be overlooked. Here are some common signs that may indicate the need for a screening:
- Discoloured patches on the lips or inside the mouth, such as white or dark red areas
- Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture inside the mouth
- Canker sores that don’t heal, persistent numbness, or bleeding
- Changes in taste, tongue discomfort, or difficulty swallowing
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with a dentist in North York as soon as possible. Early detection through a thorough oral cancer screening can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Certain behaviours and conditions can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. These include:
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use
- HPV infection (human papillomavirus), especially in the mouth
- Excessive sun exposure (particularly affecting the lips)
- Poor diet, low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history of oral cancer
Men are at a higher risk than women - A history of leukoplakia, a condition marked by thick white patches inside the mouth
Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer is personalized and depends on factors such as the severity, type, and location of the cancer. Your healthcare team will tailor the treatment plan specifically for you.
Spotting Early Signs of Cancer
The main goal of an oral cancer screening is early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth, including the area under your tongue, for any red or white patches, or unusual sores. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth for any lumps or odd textures. Additionally, your dentist may examine the outside of your neck and throat for any lumps or swelling.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If any signs of cancer are detected during the screening, further tests may be required. You may be referred for additional procedures such as a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken for lab examination, or imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI. If cancerous growths are confirmed, treatment options may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the case.
Prevention of Oral Cancer
Taking proactive steps now can help reduce your risk of developing oral cancer in the future. Here are some ways to help prevent oral cancer:
- See your dentist regularly for routine check-ups and screenings
- Quit tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption
- Protect yourself from the sun by using UV-protective lip balms and minimizing exposure
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Perform regular self-examinations check your mouth for any unusual lumps, bumps, or sores, and report any concerns to your dentist
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
If you have any of the risk factors for oral cancer or have noticed any unusual changes in your mouth, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist in North York for an oral cancer screening during your regular check-up. Early detection is key to managing oral cancer effectively.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will:
- Examine your lips, gums, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks for abnormalities
- Feel for any lumps or unusual textures in your mouth, face, jaw, and neck
- Look for red or white patches, sores, or any other abnormal findings
These screenings are quick, non-invasive, and can make all the difference in early detection.
You can also perform regular self-checks for oral cancer by following these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- In front of a mirror, examine the roof of your mouth, lips, gums, and tongue
- Use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help grip your tongue and check the sides and underside
- Feel for any lumps or bumps inside your mouth and along your jaw
- Check for colour changes or tenderness and be alert to any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks
If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your dentist in North York to get it checked.
In the early stages, oral cancer may present as small, usually painless patches that appear red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These patches may appear on the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, or the roof of the mouth. If you notice any changes like this, it’s important to have them checked by a healthcare professional.
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