5 Oral Cancer Signs to Watch Out For

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in any part of the mouth, which includes the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth. It is a fairly rare type of cancer, but it is crucial that it is caught early. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of this condition. In this blog post, we will discuss five oral cancer signs that you should watch out for!

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. It can develop on the tongue, the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. Oral cancer is most common in people over the age of 40, and the risk increases with age.

The majority of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which begin in the thin, flat cells that line the mouth and throat. Other types of oral cancer include salivary gland tumors, mucoepidermoid carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and lymphomas.

Risk Factors

There are a few risk factors that can increase your chances of developing oral cancer. These include:

• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
• Heavy alcohol use
• Excessive sun exposure to your lips
• A sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)
• A weakened immune system

5 Oral Cancer Signs to Watch Out For

It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer so that you can catch it early. Here are five signs to watch out for:

1. A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal

If you have a sore in your mouth that doesn’t seem to be healing, it’s important to have it checked out by a doctor or dentist. This is especially true if the sore is on your tongue or in the inside of your cheek, as these are two common places for the disease to develop.

2. Bleeding in the mouth

If you notice that you’re bleeding in your mouth, you need to have it checked out by a dentist. This could be a sign of cancer, especially if the bleeding is coming from a specific spot in your mouth that doesn’t heal.

3. Pain in the mouth

Pain in your mouth could be a sign of this condition, especially if the pain is persistent and doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain medications.

4. Swelling in the mouth

If you notice that your mouth is swollen, this could be a sign of oral cancer, especially if the swelling is in one specific area of your mouth.

5. Changes in your voice

If you notice that your voice is changing, this could be a sign of oral cancer, especially if the change in your voice is persistent and doesn’t go away.

Other Symptoms

In addition to the five signs listed above, there are a few other symptoms that can be associated with oral cancer. These include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• A lump in the neck
• Feeling like something is caught in your throat

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist so that they can rule out oral cancer.

How a Dentist Detects Oral Cancer

If you visit the dentist for a routine cleaning and exam, they will likely perform a cancer screening. This involves a visual and physical examination of your mouth, tongue, and throat. The dentist will look for any abnormalities, such as sores, swellings, or lumps. They will also feel around your neck to check for any lumps or swellings.

If the dentist finds anything that they’re concerned about, they will likely recommend further testing. This could include a biopsy, which is a procedure where a small sample of tissue is removed and sent to a lab for analysis.

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist so that they can rule out oral cancer. If it is suspected, a biopsy will be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Once you are diagnosed, treatment options will be discussed with you by your doctor.

Get a Checkup with Glacier Creek Dental

If you’re due for a routine dental checkup, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Glacier Creek Dental. We will perform a cancer screening as part of your exam and can answer any questions you have about oral cancer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.