Important Signs of Oral Cancer to Watch For

Oral cancer can affect the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding areas. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. Here are some key signs of oral cancer to watch for:

Visible Changes

• Sores or Ulcers: Persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
• White or Red Patches: Unusual white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth.
• Lumps or Thickening: Any lumps, thickened areas, or rough spots in the mouth or on the lips.

Sensations

• Pain or Tenderness: Persistent pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth, lips, or throat.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Problems swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Sore Throat: A chronic sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat.
• Ear Pain: Persistent ear pain that does not involve hearing loss.

Functional Changes

• Loose Teeth: Teeth that become loose without an obvious cause.
• Changes in Voice: Persistent changes in your voice, such as hoarseness.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss that cannot be attributed to other factors.

Appearance Changes

• Unusual Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Jaw Pain or Stiffness: Pain or stiffness in the jaw that affects how your teeth fit together when you bite down.
• Swelling: Swelling of the jaw or neck that causes discomfort or difficulty with dental appliances, such as dentures.

Risk Factors

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors can increase the risk. Oral cancer, like many cancers, is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells in the mouth, which lead to uncontrolled cell growth. While the exact cause of these mutations is not always clear, several risk factors are known to increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. Here are some of the primary causes and risk factors:

Tobacco Use

• Smoking: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and other forms of smoked tobacco.
• Smokeless Tobacco: Chewing tobacco, snuff, and other forms of smokeless tobacco.

Heavy Alcohol Consumption

• Regular and excessive consumption of alcohol significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16, are linked to oropharyngeal cancers (cancers of the base of the tongue, tonsils, and throat).

Sun Exposure

• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increases the risk of lip cancer, particularly for those who spend significant time outdoors without lip protection.

Age

• Oral cancer is more common in people over the age of 40.

Poor Diet

• A diet low in fruits and vegetables can increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

Weakened Immune System

• Individuals with a weakened immune system, whether due to medical conditions or immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk.

Chronic Irritation

• Chronic irritation from rough teeth, ill-fitting dentures, or other dental appliances can potentially contribute to the development of oral cancer.

Family History

• A family history of cancer can indicate a genetic predisposition to the disease, although this is less significant than lifestyle factors.

Betel Quid and Areca Nut Chewing

• Common in some cultures, the chewing of betel quid (often combined with tobacco) and areca nut has been strongly linked to oral cancer.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, especially if they persist for more than two weeks, it’s important to see a healthcare professional or dentist for a thorough examination. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Prevention Tips

• Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol: Reducing or eliminating tobacco and alcohol use can significantly lower the risk.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Sun Protection: Using lip balm with SPF and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Routine dental visits can help detect early signs of oral cancer.
• HPV Vaccine: Consider getting vaccinated against HPV.

Regular self-examinations and awareness of these signs can help in early detection and successful treatment of oral cancer.

If you want to consistently keep up with the health of your teeth and mouth, be proactive about preventing diseases like oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancer can even inhibit procedures you want to have later in life, like dental implants. Sensitized tissues post-radiation can reject dental implants and make simple procedures that much more difficult. Remember, you only have one set of natural teeth! Avoid triggers for oral cancer like tobacco products and be proactive about your oral health for a life-long beautiful smile.