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How to Identify Oral Cancer Symptoms at an Early Stage
By Raveena M Prakash
Oral cancer is a serious health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of people's age or lifestyle. Early detection is vital to improving the treatment outcomes, and identifying the oral cancer symptoms early can increase the chance of successful treatment. These kinds of cancers also affect the throat and sinuses in some rare cases, while these cancers are also classified under the category of head and neck cancers!
In this blog, we’ll discover more about how to identify the early symptoms of oral cancer, factors that increase the risk of developing this cancer, and what steps you are taking to protect your oral health!
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer often refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, and the hard and soft palates. In some cases, it can also affect the throat and sinuses in people. These types of cancers are often classified under the category of head and neck cancers.
According to many studies, the survival rates of these cancers have increased over the years; early diagnosis plays a crucial role and makes it important to know what symptoms to look for and maintain regular health checkups.
Early symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer has several signs and symptoms that may be mistaken for some common health issues or changes happening in the mouth. For example: if you start to notice any kinds of patches developing inside your mouth, that you can’t scrape away. These mouth patches are often known as precancerous patches in mouth cancer.
Here are the following conditions of patches that appear in the mouth and throat, while they are different in colors. Including:
- Leukoplakia
- Erythroplakia
- Erythroleukoplakia
The common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A lip or mouth sore that won’t heal
- A white or reddish patch on the inside of the mouth
- Loose teeth
- Experiencing growth or a lump inside the mouth
- Mouth pain
- Difficult or painful to swallow foods
- Ear pain
- Chronic bad breath
What are the risk factors for these cancers?
Oral cancer can develop in anyone; certain factors can increase the risk of developing this cancer in people. Being aware of these risk factors can often help you to take proactive measures for these cancers prevention and early detection.
Here are some of the risk factors of oral cancer, these may include:
- Tobacco use: People who are used to smoking or chewing tobacco are one of the leading causes of mouth cancer. Studies suggest that smokers are six times more likely to develop these cancers than non-smokers.
- Alcohol consumption: People with heavy alcohol consumption increase the risk of mouth cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- HPV (Human papilloma virus): Human papillomavirus, especially a strain of HPV 16, has often been linked to developing these types of cancer, especially in the back of the throat.
- Age: These cancers are more common in people who are above the ages of 40 and 50, but they can happen any time.
- Extreme Sun exposure: People with excessive sun exposure and UV radiation, especially without any sun protection can increase the risk of developing lip cancer.
- Family history of cancer: People who come from the family of cancer can increase the risk of developing these cancers.
- Weakened immune system: Health conditions that often compromise the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS or organ transplants, can increase the risk of developing mouth cancer in people.
Why early detection matters!
These cancers can spread quickly, but they're often treatable if caught in the early stages. The survival rates for these cancers are significantly higher than when detected in their early stages. Many studies suggest that 80% of patients will survive five years or more if the cancer is detected at an early stage.
These treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, but the success of these treatments mainly depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.
What to do when you notice these cancer symptoms?
If you experience any of these symptoms mentioned above, then don’t panic. All of these oral cancer symptoms can often be caused by several other reasons. Then don’t ignore it; consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Here are few tests are performed to confirm the oral cancer symptoms, including:
- Schedule a dental checkup: Dentists often spot the early signs of cancer. Regular checkups every 6 months allow your dentist to examine the suspected patient's mouth thoroughly.
- Self exam: You can perform a simple self-examination to detect any signs of these cancer. Try to use a mirror to check your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth for any kinds of unusual sores, lumps, and discoloration.
- Seeking further medical attention: If you have any consistent mouth sores or lumps that do not heal or improve within two weeks or more, then consult a dentist or doctor immediately.
Consult Today
Oral cancer is a complex disease, but when caught early, the prognosis and recovery are much better than other cancers. While being aware of the signs and symptoms, practicing good oral hygiene, and scheduling regular dental checkups, you can help protect your health and increase your chances of early detection.
At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries, at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few activities that can increase the risk of developing approximately 75% of oral cancer cases in people.
These may include:
- Smoking cigarettes, vapes or use of tobacco products
- Using tobaccoless products like chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, or water pipes
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Human papillomavirus infection
- Family history of oral cancer
These may include:
- Sores on your lips or inside your mouth that bleed easily and won’t heal within two weeks
- Experiencing rough spots or crusty areas on the lips, gums and inside your mouth
- Areas in the mouth bleeds for no specific reason
- Experiencing numbness, pain or tenderness in your face, neck and mouth that develop without any specific reason
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking or moving your jaw
- Sudden weight loss
- Ear ache or chronic bad breath
First of all, your dentist might spot any potential oral cancer during your regular monthly checkups. They might perform several tests on the suspected cancer patients.
These may include:
- Physical examination
- Brush biopsy
- Incisional biopsy
- Indirect laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy
- Direct pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy
Here are the most common surgeries for oral cancer, including:
- Primary tumor surgery
- Glossectomy
- Mandibulectomy
- Maxillectomy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Neck dissection
- Reconstruction surgery
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