What Are the Early Signs of Oral Cancer?

A woman holding her mouth in pain.

November is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and an opportunity to raise awareness of its importance and its treatment/prevention. Oral cancer can be life-threatening; early detection increases treatment outcomes and survival chances. We will discuss symptoms early detection can bring as well as its causes and positive implications, with details on ways in which a dentist can diagnose this disease as well as prevention plans and positive impacts of early diagnosis plans. In this blog post, we will also explore the treatment outcomes when comparing early prevention plans and diagnosis by a dentist to waiting until symptoms appear, and we will dive into how this approach can significantly impact the treatment of oral cancer and improve overall survival chances.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth, as well as linings of the cheeks and lips. Here are some common warning signs for oral cancer to look out for:

  • You experience persistent mouth sores that don't heal within two weeks.
  • Your mouth becomes thicker or lumpy due to bacteria.
  • You have pain or difficulty when swallowing.
  • You notice white or red spots on your lips, gums, or inside your mouth, which may indicate inflammation of some sort.
  • You experience symptoms of an ill throat.
  • You have difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.
  • You experience changes in speech patterns, such as slurring or lisping
  • You experience mouth or tongue numbness or tingling.
  • You experience loss of teeth or have dentures that no longer fit correctly.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's critical that you visit a dentist or doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment could save lives!

How a Dentist Can Assist in Diagnosing Oral Cancer

Your dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening during a routine dental exam, looking out for any abnormal lumps, bumps, or sores in and around the mouth and feeling any lymph nodes for swelling or tenderness.

If your dentist suspects oral cancer, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for additional testing, including biopsy, CT scan, or MRI. These exams can confirm a diagnosis while providing more insight into its extent and progression.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Though its exact cause remains unknown, certain risk factors increase your likelihood of oral cancer development. These may include:

  • Use of tobacco products (cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products)
  • Heavy alcohol consumption and HPV exposure
  • Poor oral hygiene and frequent exposure to irritants, such as alcohol or spicy foods

Note that anyone can develop oral cancer, regardless of any risk factors they may possess. Regular dental checkups and screenings are key in detecting early signs of oral cancer in any individual who might not exhibit any visible risks.

Early Detection and Prevention Plans can Be Advantageous

Preventing oral cancer at its early stages is vital for optimal treatment outcomes and survival rates. Early detection typically makes treatment simpler, increasing the chance of full recovery through methods like surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy treatments.

To prevent oral cancer from developing in the first place, there are various measures you can take, including:

  • Not smoking or using smokeless tobacco products
  • Reducing alcohol intake
  • Implementing good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing
  • Dieting to achieve health and well-being, including eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Using lip balm or sunscreen with an SPF of 15

Regular dental checkups and screenings can play an essential part in helping prevent oral cancer. Your dentist can identify early warning signs, provide advice to reduce risks, and help detect cancer early if any exists.

Oral cancer can be a potentially life-threatening disease, yet early detection makes treatment possible. By becoming educated on its signs and symptoms, what causes it, and its prevention plans, you can better safeguard yourself against its devastating impact. By actively engaging in your oral health and getting regular dental checkups, you can reduce your risk for oral cancer as well as detect it sooner if any instances do arise.