Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat. It may appear on the lips, gums, tongue, palate, inner cheeks, and other parts of the oral cavity. Understanding the risks and symptoms of oral cancer is essential for it to be detected and treated early.

Guelph Royal Dental Centre is committed to educating our patients about dental health. We also encourage regular screenings to look for early indicators of oral cancer. This blog post will provide important details on oral cancer, including its causes, risk factors, symptoms, and potential therapies.

The early stages of oral cancer might be difficult to detect, even though they frequently cause little pain or discomfort. This highlights the importance of routine dental exams and self-inspections.

Effective oral cancer treatment depends on early detection. Thus, you should make an appointment with your dentist when you notice any symptoms or changes in your mouth.

The likelihood of survival is influenced by the stage at which oral cancer is identified. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer varies from 90% for those with stage I illness to 39% for those with stage IV disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

What Promotes Oral Cancer Growth?

Like all cancers, oral cancer is sustained by abnormal cell proliferation. Cancerous cells can form in the oral cavity and progress to other body organs. Although the exact cause of oral cancer is uncertain, there are some risk factors.

Risk factors for oral cancer include:

1. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco are the two main tobacco products that increase the risk of oral cancer, along with alcohol usage. Also, consuming alcohol increases your chance of oral cancer, particularly if you also smoke.

2. Mouth cancer has been linked to the sexually transmitted disease of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV strain that has been connected to oral cancer is HPV-16.

3. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of developing lip cancer.

4. Age and Gender: Oral cancer is more common in people over 50 and affects men twice as often as women.

5. Unhealthy Diet: A diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables may raise the risk of oral cancer.

An Oral Tissue Cancer

Early detection is essential for effective oral cancer treatment. The following typical mouth cancer warning symptoms should be noted:

  • Voice or speech changes
  • Unhealing sores or blisters
  • White, red, or splotchy areas on the tongue, gums, or mouth
  • Chest discomfort felt while swallowing
  • Numbness in the lips and/or mouth
  • Jaw pain and swelling
  • Missing teeth
  • Issues with wearing dentures

If any of these symptoms or warning signs apply, schedule a visit with your dentist immediately.

Treatment And Diagnostics Of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer must be found through a thorough examination of the mouth and throat, including biopsies of any suspicious tissue. The following treatments are options should oral cancer be discovered:

1. Surgery may be required to remove the cancerous tissue and nearby lymph nodes.

2. High-energy beams are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells as its primary goal.

4. Drugs are specifically chosen in targeted therapy to affect the proteins involved in the growth of cancer cells.

Preventing Oral Cancer

Even though not all cases of the illness are preventable, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. These include:

1. Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of oral cancer.

If you drink, cutting back on your intake can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

3. The risk of HPV infection can be decreased by using protection during sexual activity.

4. Wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen to your lips can reduce your risk of acquiring lip cancer.

5. Keeping a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods will help reduce the incidence of mouth cancer.

Oral cancer is a serious disorder that can attack anyone at any time, regardless of age or gender. You can lower your risk of acquiring oral cancer by adopting preventative measures and being aware of the risk factors and symptoms. All of our patients receive the highest quality dental care from the Guelph Royal Dental Centre. If you have any questions or concerns regarding oral cancer, please contact us at 519-837-1870.


DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.