How to Spot Early Signs of Oral Cancer: Symptoms to Watch For

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, refers to cancers that begin in the oral cavity, including areas like the lips, tongue, and gums. 

Spotting early signs is important to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Recognising potential symptoms, risk factors and treatment options can empower individuals to seek timely medical intervention. 

This article covers key symptoms, diagnostic methods, and prevention strategies for oral cancer.

Let’s Get Straight to The  Point

Oral cancer, a type of mouth cancer, typically affects areas like the lips, tongue, and gums. Key symptoms to watch for include persistent sores, white or red patches, swelling, loose teeth, and painful swallowing. 

Major risk factors are tobacco use, excessive alcohol, and HPV infection. Early detection through regular dental exams and awareness of these signs and symptoms is essential. 

Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with follow-up care and lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting tobacco and limiting alcohol) recommended to prevent recurrence.

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer encompasses cancers that occur in the mouth, also called the oral cavity. This form of cancer often appears as sores or unusual growths, most frequently on the lips, tongue, or floor of the mouth. 

While it can affect various areas within the oral cavity, it is also classified as a type of head and neck cancer.

Areas Affected by Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can develop on several surfaces; most mouth cancers include:

• Lips and cheeks
• Floor of the mouth
• Roof of the mouth
• Gums and the area surrounding teeth
• Tonsils and salivary glands

Early detection is key to effective treatment, making it essential to be aware of signs and symptoms that can help identify oral cancers early.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of mouth cancer vary, but certain lifestyle factors increase an individual’s risk. Recognising and reducing these risk factors can lower the chance of developing oral cancer.

1. Tobacco Use

Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, like chewing tobacco, are among the primary causes of mouth cancer. Tobacco products contain harmful chemicals that damage the cells in the oral cavity, potentially leading to the development of cancer cells.

2. Alcohol Consumption

Long-term, excessive alcohol use also increases the risk of mouth cancer. Those who both smoke and drink alcohol have an even higher likelihood of either lip cancer or developing oral cancer symptoms.

3. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

HPV, a common virus affecting many people, is a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancers, which affect areas like the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

4. Other Risk Factors

Additional risk factors include:

• Age and gender (men over 40 are at higher risk)
• Poor diet lacking in essential vitamins and nutrients
• Excessive sun exposure to the lips

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Knowing the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer can lead to earlier detection, early diagnosis, and better treatment outcomes. Persistent symptoms that don’t resolve within two weeks should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.

1. Visible Changes Inside the Mouth

Common oral cancer symptoms include unusual patches or lesions inside the mouth. White or red patches on the tongue, gums, or inner lining of the oral cavity may indicate pre-cancerous or cancerous changes.

2. Persistent Sores and Pain

Symptoms of mouth cancer often include sores or rough patches that refuse to heal. If a sore or ulcer persists, especially with mouth pain or bleeding, it’s a warning sign of potential oral cancer.

3. Swelling, Numbness, and Loose Teeth

Swelling, numbness, or tightness in the mouth can signal abnormal growth. Loose teeth without any clear cause, like dental trauma, may also indicate mouth cancer affecting the supporting structures.

4. Painful or Difficult Swallowing

Difficulty or painful swallowing can be an early sign of oral cancer if accompanied by other mouth cancer signs. A feeling of something caught in the throat or pain while swallowing should not be ignored.

Screening and Diagnosis

Early detection through regular screening is essential to managing oral cancers effectively. Most cases are first identified during routine dental checkups.

1. Initial Examination

A physical examination by a dentist or doctor often includes checking the inside of your mouth, throat, and neck. They may look for abnormal patches, lumps, or other signs.

2. Biopsy and Imaging Tests

A biopsy is typically conducted if a suspicious area is found, where a small tissue sample is removed and tested. Imaging tests like CT or MRI scans can further determine the size and location of the cancer and whether it has spread.

Stages of Oral Cancer

Once diagnosed, most oral cancers are staged based on size, location, and whether cancer has spread elsewhere. The staging system helps to determine the extent and severity of the cancer cells.

Understanding Cancer Stages

Staging systems, such as the TNM system, assess:

• Tumor size (T)
• Involvement of lymph nodes (N)
• Metastasis or spread to distant areas (M)

This staging aids doctors in planning effective cancer treatment.

Treatment Options

Treating mouth cancer involves different approaches based on the stage, location, and cancer’s location. Primary treatment options for mouth cancers include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

1. Surgery for Oral Cancer

Surgery may be required to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue. This often includes removing affected lymph nodes or parts of the surrounding tissue. Post-surgical recovery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery.

2. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for oral cancer and can effectively shrink tumours. 

The therapy can be applied before surgery to reduce tumour size or eliminate any remaining cancer cells after surgery. External beam radiation, where rays target the affected area, is commonly used.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells, can be administered alone or with radiation therapy for advanced cases. The medication is typically delivered through a vein and works by targeting and destroying cancer cells.

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects

Cancer treatments can lead to various side effects, affecting speech, eating, and appearance. Managing these side effects is critical to recovery and quality of life.

1. Nutritional Support and Speech Therapy

Nutritional guidance helps maintain strength and energy during recovery, while speech therapy assists those affected in regaining communication abilities post-treatment.

2. Emotional and Physical Support

Support groups and counselling can be invaluable resources for those dealing with the challenges of oral cancer recovery.

Follow-up Care and Prevention

After successful treatment of called mouth cancer, regular dental checkups and monitoring are vital for early detection of any recurrence. Lifestyle changes and preventive measures also help reduce the risk of mouth cancer recurrence.

1. Monitoring and Imaging Tests

Routine check-ups, including physical exams and imaging tests such as CT or PET scans, help detect any signs of cancer returning. Doctors typically recommend frequent follow-up visits to ensure long-term health.

2. Prevention Tips

Reducing exposure to chewing tobacco, alcohol, and the human papillomavirus can significantly lower the risk of developing oral cancer. A healthy diet and sun protection for the lips also contribute to lower cancer risk.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

When diagnosed with oral cancer or concerned about potential symptoms, asking the right questions can clarify the path forward.

• What are the recommended treatment options?
• Are there lifestyle changes that can aid in recovery?
• How will treatment affect my daily activities?
• What signs should I monitor post-treatment?

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Regular vigilance and communication with a healthcare provider are essential, especially if persistent symptoms arise. Individuals should contact their doctor if they notice changes in the mouth, such as non-healing sores or other abnormalities that persist beyond two weeks.

Conclusion

Recognising and responding to the early signs of oral cancer symptoms is vital to successful treatment. Mouth cancer can often be detected through regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms. 

Understanding risk factors, engaging in preventive measures, and seeking timely medical intervention can help individuals effectively manage their oral health and reduce the risks associated with oral cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the early signs of oral cancer?

Early signs of oral cancer include persistent sores, white or red patches inside the mouth, loose teeth, and difficulty swallowing. See a healthcare provider for evaluation if these symptoms last over two weeks.

2. Who is at risk of developing oral cancer?

Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use (smoking or chewing), heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and excessive sun exposure to the lips. Men over 40 are generally at higher risk.

3. How are head and neck cancers related to oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that specifically affects areas within the mouth, such as the lips, tongue, and gums. Head and neck cancers also include cancers of the throat, voice box, and nasal cavity.

4. How is oral cancer diagnosed?

Oral cancer is diagnosed through a physical exam, biopsy, and imaging tests like CT or MRI scans. Your dentist or doctor can detect abnormalities during routine check-ups.

5. What’s the difference between oral cavity cancer and mouth cancer?

Oral cavity cancer and mouth cancer refer to the same type of cancer affecting areas in the mouth, such as the lips, tongue, gums, and floor of the mouth. Both terms describe cancers that start in the oral region and are often used interchangeably.