The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer involves abnormal cell growth in areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. When caught early, treatment is often highly effective. While those over 45 are generally at greater risk, people of all ages should consider screening, especially if they notice:
- White or dark red patches inside the mouth or on the lips
- Unexplained lumps, rough spots, or tissue changes
- Canker sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or bleeding
- Changes in taste, difficulty swallowing, or a strange sensation on the tongue
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Book an oral cancer screening to ensure peace of mind and early intervention if needed.
The risk factors for oral cancer
Certain lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and environmental exposures may increase your risk. These include:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Frequent or heavy alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Excessive sun exposure (especially affecting the lips)
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- A family history of oral cancer
- A previous diagnosis of leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth)
- Being biologically male
Prevention, detection, and treatment of oral cancer
Spotting early signs of cancer
During an oral cancer screening, the goal is to detect early warning signs before they become serious. Your dentist will examine your mouth, lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue, and gently feel around your jaw, neck, and throat for lumps or unusual textures. This quick, painless process is often included as part of your routine dental exam.
Diagnosis and treatment
If anything suspicious is found, your dentist may recommend additional diagnostic tests such as:
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is sent for lab testing
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs to get a better look at deeper tissues
If oral cancer is confirmed, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the type and stage of the condition.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk by:
- Quitting tobacco and moderating alcohol consumption
- Using SPF lip balm and limiting sun exposure
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet high in fruits and vegetables
- Checking your mouth regularly for unusual changes
- Seeing your Dentist in Langley, BC for routine dental exams and screenings
Your dental team plays a key role in prevention and early detection, helping you stay informed, proactive, and protected.
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
If you have any risk factors, or if you notice something unusual in your mouth, it’s a good idea to request a screening during your next dental visit. Early detection is the best defense against serious outcomes.
Dentists visually inspect your mouth, tongue, and gums, then gently feel for any lumps or tissue changes inside your mouth and along your jaw, neck, and throat. It’s quick and non-invasive.
Start by washing your hands. Then, in front of a mirror, examine your lips, tongue (top, bottom, and sides), gums, and cheeks. Gently press and feel for lumps or tenderness. Use gauze or tissue to grip and inspect the tongue. Report any discoloured patches or sores that haven’t healed after two weeks.
Look for small, usually painless patches that may appear red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges. These can show up anywhere in the mouth. If you spot something unusual or persistent, always get it checked out by your dentist or physician.
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