Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor or roof of the mouth, and other oral tissues. Changes are not always painful or easy to notice at first, which is one reason regular dental examinations are important. If an unusual change in your mouth persists, it should be evaluated by a dental or healthcare professional.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
- A sore in the mouth or on the lip that does not heal.
- White, red, or unusually coloured patches in the mouth.
- A lump, thickened area, or unexplained change in the texture of oral tissues.
- Persistent numbness, tenderness, pain, or unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
- Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or swallowing.
- Changes in how your tongue moves or how your mouth feels.
- Persistent hoarseness, sore throat, or other unexplained changes affecting the mouth or throat.
Having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have oral cancer. Many can be caused by other conditions, but a persistent or unexplained change should be examined so the cause can be determined.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can affect people with or without known risk factors. However, certain factors are associated with a greater risk of developing cancers of the mouth and surrounding areas.
- Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using other tobacco products.
- Using smokeless tobacco products.
- Frequent or heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
- Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Prolonged ultraviolet exposure, particularly in relation to cancers of the lip.
- Increasing age.
- A previous oral cancer or certain potentially precancerous changes in the mouth.
If dental anxiety makes examinations or treatment difficult for you, let us know. Depending on your needs and the care being provided, we can discuss ways to make your visit more manageable, including appropriate sedation options.
At Trenton Family Dental, Dr. Kaustubh Gandhalikar, Dr. Hardik Patel, Dr. Srikanth Lingamaneni, and our dental team pay attention to unusual changes in the oral tissues during appropriate dental examinations. If we identify an area that requires closer attention, we can discuss the findings with you and recommend appropriate follow-up or referral for further evaluation.
Oral Cancer Screening, Follow-Up and Prevention
Oral cancer screening is intended to identify unusual changes that may need closer evaluation. Most changes found during an examination are not cancer, but identifying a suspicious area gives your dentist an opportunity to recommend appropriate follow-up rather than leaving it unchecked.
Screen for Unusual Changes
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and other soft tissues in and around your mouth. We look for persistent sores, red or white patches, lumps, swelling, and unusual changes in tissue colour or texture. Your dentist may also gently feel areas of the mouth, jaw, and neck when appropriate.
Follow Up on Suspicious Areas
Finding an unusual area does not mean you have oral cancer. Depending on what we find, your dentist may recommend monitoring the area, scheduling a follow-up examination, or referring you to an appropriate healthcare provider. If further testing is needed, such as imaging or a biopsy, you will be guided through the next steps.
Reduce Your Risk
Oral cancer cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce certain risk factors. Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, protect your lips from prolonged sun exposure, and attend regular dental examinations. You should also pay attention to persistent sores, lumps, discoloured patches, or other unexplained changes in your mouth and have them evaluated if they do not go away.
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Your oral cancer screening includes a careful examination of your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and other soft tissues in and around your mouth. Your dentist will look and feel for unusual changes, such as persistent sores, discoloured patches, lumps, or changes in tissue texture. We will also discuss any symptoms or risk factors that may be relevant and, if an area requires closer attention, explain the appropriate next steps for further evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, oral cancer can occur in people who have never used tobacco. Tobacco is an important risk factor, but it is not the only one. Age, alcohol consumption, certain types of HPV, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and other factors may also affect risk. People without known risk factors can still develop oral cancer.
No. An oral examination can identify an area that looks or feels unusual, but screening alone cannot confirm whether it is cancer. If an area is suspicious, your dentist may recommend monitoring it, arranging a follow-up, or referring you for further evaluation and testing.
Oral cancer screening is generally quick and comfortable. Your dentist visually examines the tissues in and around your mouth and may gently feel certain areas for lumps, swelling, or changes in texture. If an area is already sore or tender, let your dentist know before it is examined.
There is no single screening schedule that is right for everyone. Your dentist can consider your age, health history, tobacco and alcohol use, previous oral changes, and other risk factors when determining how oral cancer screening fits into your regular dental care.
Many minor mouth sores heal on their own. However, a sore, lump, patch, or other unexplained change that lasts for about two weeks, keeps returning, becomes worse, or concerns you should be evaluated by a dentist or healthcare provider. You do not need to wait for your next routine dental appointment if you are worried about a change.
You can become familiar with how your mouth normally looks and feels and pay attention to new or persistent changes. Check for unusual sores, lumps, patches, swelling, or changes in colour or texture. A self-check does not replace a professional examination, but noticing a change early gives you an opportunity to have it assessed.
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