Oral Cancer: Know the Signs
Early oral cancer is often painless and easy to miss. Knowing the warning signs, and keeping up with screenings, makes a real difference.
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and throat. In its early stages it is often painless, which is why it can go unnoticed. Caught early, it is far more treatable, so knowing what to watch for matters.
Risk Factors
- Tobacco in any form, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco
- Heavy alcohol use, especially combined with tobacco
- HPV infection, which is linked to cancers at the back of the throat
- Frequent sun exposure to the lips without protection
- Being over 40, though oral cancer can occur at any age
Warning Signs
See a dentist or physician if any of these last longer than two weeks:
- A sore or ulcer that does not heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- A lump, rough spot, or thickening in the cheek, gums, or neck
- Numbness or tenderness anywhere in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- A change in how your teeth or dentures fit together
Most of these turn out to be something minor, but only an exam can tell.
Screenings at Your Checkup
An oral cancer screening is part of every routine exam at our office. We look and feel for changes in the soft tissues of your mouth, face, and neck. It takes only a few minutes and involves no discomfort. If anything looks unusual, we will monitor it closely or refer you for further evaluation.
Lowering Your Risk
Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, using lip balm with SPF, and keeping up with regular checkups all help. If you have noticed a change in your mouth, contact us to schedule an exam.