Early signs of oral cancer can sometimes be subtle, but recognizing them early is critical for successful treatment. Here are the most common early signs:

• A persistent sore in the mouth or on the lips that doesn’t heal within two weeks.
• Red or white patches in the mouth that don’t go away.
• Lumps or thickened areas in the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Numbness or pain in the tongue or other areas of the mouth.
• Chronic hoarseness or changes in voice that persist for more than two weeks.

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an oral cancer screening promptly to ensure early detection and treatment.

For most people, oral cancer screenings should be performed once a year as part of a routine dental exam. However, if you have risk factors such as:

• Smoking or tobacco use.
• Heavy alcohol consumption.
• A family history of cancer.
• Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer.

Your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings, possibly every six months, to monitor for early signs of cancer. Regular screenings can help catch abnormalities early before they progress.

If your dentist finds an area of concern during your screening, additional tests may be necessary. Here’s what to expect:

• Biopsy: A sample of tissue from the abnormal area is taken and analyzed for the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells.
• Imaging tests: Depending on the location and size of the abnormality, your dentist may recommend X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to get a clearer view of the affected area.
• Referral to a specialist: In some cases, your dentist may refer you to an oncologist or an oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

If cancer is detected, the dentist will discuss treatment options with you, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

There are several proactive steps you can take to lower your risk of developing oral cancer:

• Avoid all tobacco products: Both smoking and chewing tobacco are major risk factors for oral cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol excessively, especially when combined with tobacco use, increases the risk of oral cancer.
• Protect your lips from the sun: Use a lip balm with SPF and avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight.
• Get vaccinated for HPV: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to some types of oral cancers, so vaccination can help lower your risk.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups help reduce bacterial buildup and prevent potential issues in your mouth.

By adopting these habits, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing oral cancer.

A family history of cancer, particularly head and neck cancer, increases your risk of developing oral cancer. If this applies to you:

• Inform your dentist about your family history.
• Consider having more frequent oral cancer screenings, as early detection can be vital in preventing the progression of the disease.
• Maintain regular dental visits and ask your dentist to monitor any potential abnormalities during your exams closely.

Even if you don’t have any symptoms, frequent screenings are a critical preventive measure for high-risk individuals.

No, an oral cancer screening is not painful. The screening involves a visual and physical examination of the mouth, neck, and throat. Your dentist will:

• Visually inspect your lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue for any irregularities.
• Palpate (feel) the lymph nodes in your neck and beneath your jawline to check for any lumps or swelling.
• In some cases, specialized tools such as light-based devices may be used to highlight abnormal tissue. These tools are non-invasive and painless.

If a biopsy is required, the area will be numbed, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

Yes, when detected early, oral cancer can often be successfully treated. Early-stage oral cancer has a much higher survival rate than more advanced cases, making regular screenings extremely important. Treatment for early-detected oral cancer may involve:

• Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue.
• Radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy in cases where the cancer has spread.

Following treatment, regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for any recurrence.

Several factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, including:

• Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using chewing tobacco, greatly increases your risk.
• Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially in combination with tobacco, raises the risk of oral cancer.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Certain strains of HPV are linked to oral cancers, particularly those affecting the back of the throat.
• Age: Oral cancer is more common in people over the age of 40, though it can affect people of any age.
• Family history of cancer: A genetic predisposition to cancer can increase your chances of developing oral cancer.

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s especially important to schedule regular oral cancer screenings.