When people think about cancer, they often don’t think to check inside their mouths. But oral cancer affects tens of thousands of people every year. The good news is that when it’s found early, it’s often treatable with the right care.
While April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, being aware of the signs is important all year round. Knowing what to look for could make a life-saving difference. Let’s break down the key signs and risk factors so you can feel informed and empowered about your health.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a disease that can affect several areas in and around your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, the floor and roof of your mouth, throat (pharynx), and even your tonsils. While it might not be discussed as often as other types of cancer, it’s a serious global health issue. Its incidence has been steadily rising in the United States, and it’s responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide each year.
Many people are familiar with the strong link between tobacco use and oral cancer. This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and using chewing tobacco or snuff. The harmful chemicals in tobacco products damage the cells in your mouth over time, which can cause cancer. However, it’s a common misconception that tobacco is the only cause.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in oral cancers linked to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), specifically the HPV-16 strain. You might have heard of HPV in relation to cervical cancer, but this same virus can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, most commonly in the tonsils and the base of the tongue.
HPV is a very common virus that spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. It can infect both men and women. Individuals who were not vaccinated against HPV are at a higher risk.
But the causes don’t stop there. Heavy alcohol consumption is another major risk factor. When combined with tobacco use, the risk of developing oral cancer doesn’t just add up. It multiplies, creating a much more dangerous situation.
Prolonged sun exposure to your lips is another contributor, increasing the risk of cancer on the lower lip. Using a lip balm with SPF protection is a simple way to help prevent this.
Other factors can also play a role. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase risk, as these foods contain nutrients that help protect against cancer. A weakened immune system or a family history of cancer can also influence a person’s risk level.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward prevention. Many of these risk factors are related to lifestyle choices, which means there are proactive steps you can take to significantly lower your risk. This includes avoiding all tobacco products, drinking alcohol in moderation, protecting your lips from the sun, getting the HPV vaccine if you are eligible, and maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Regular dental check-ups are also crucial. Your dentist is trained to perform oral cancer screenings, often catching early signs that you might not even see or feel yourself. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have in the successful treatment of oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms: What to Look For
Finding oral cancer early makes a huge difference in treatment success. That’s why at Valley Dental Health, every routine dental check-up includes a quick and painless oral cancer screening. We check your mouth for any signs of trouble because we believe everyone should be aware of the symptoms, not just people who smoke or use tobacco.
Get to know what’s normal for your mouth so you can spot any changes. Here are the key signs and symptoms you should never ignore:
1. Sores That Won’t Heal: A canker sore or a small cut from biting your cheek usually heals within a week or two. A major warning sign is a sore, ulcer, or irritated area on your lips, gums, or anywhere inside your mouth that doesn’t go away after two weeks.
2. Unexplained Bleeding: See your dentist if you notice bleeding in your mouth that doesn’t have a clear cause.
3. Strange Patches or Lumps: Look and feel for any changes in the texture of your mouth. This includes:
- Red Patches (Erythroplakia): These can be flat or slightly raised and often have a higher potential to become cancerous.
- White Patches (Leukoplakia): These can look like a thick, white film that can’t be scraped off.
- Lumps or Thickening: Any lump, bump, rough spot, or crusty area on your lips, gums, or other areas inside your mouth should be checked.
4. Eroded or Numb Areas: Be aware of any areas on your lips or inside your mouth that seem to be breaking down or that have lost feeling. Numbness in your tongue, lips, or chin can also be a sign that something is affecting the nerves.
5. Problems with Movement: Oral cancer can make it difficult to chew, swallow, speak, or move your tongue or jaw smoothly. You might feel like food is getting stuck in your throat or that your tongue feels heavy.
6. Persistent Pain or Hoarseness: Visit your dentist if you have ongoing pain in your mouth, ear, or throat, or a hoarse voice that doesn’t get better.
7. A Change in Your Bite: If you feel a sudden shift in how your teeth fit together when you close your mouth, it could be a sign of a swelling or growth.
Why Early Detection is Your Best Defense
The goal of knowing these signs is to catch any problem at its earliest, most treatable stage. When oral cancer is found early, the survival rate is significantly higher, and treatment is often less invasive. This might involve a minor surgical procedure to remove the affected area. If the cancer is allowed to grow and spread, treatment becomes much more complex, involving major surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Your Role in Prevention
You are the first line of defense for your health. In addition to looking for these symptoms, there are powerful steps you can take to reduce your risk.
One of the most important is talking to your doctor about the HPV vaccine. The HPV-16 strain of the virus is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers in the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue. The vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the HPV infections most likely to cause cancer. It’s recommended for both preteens and can also be given to adults up to age 45.
Also, be open with your dentist. If you suspect you have been exposed to HPV or have any of the risk factors we discussed, let us know. This allows us to be extra thorough during your exam, carefully checking your mouth, throat, and the lymph nodes in your neck for any subtle changes. Remember, regular dental visits are a vital part of protecting your overall health.
Prevent Oral Cancer with Regular Screenings
Our team examines the mouth, throat, and neck for signs of oral cancer, and we gather patient history to determine any risk factors. An oral cancer screening is quick and painless, so be sure to stay on top of your 6-month checkups and talk to your dentist if you find any symptoms. Schedule your appointment online today or call our office at 443-733-6613.