12 May Oral Cancer: Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out For
Oral cancer is a deadly disease, because it is so difficult to detect in its early stages. There are so many different symptoms, that most people don’t realize something is wrong. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms can help you get an early diagnosis—it could even save your life! Here’s why you should check your mouth every day when you brush your teeth.
How to Spot the Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Just like other types of cancer, oral cancer begins with cell mutation. The mutation causes the cells to overmultiply and stay active well past the time when they should have died off. Eventually, the unhealthy cells start to outnumber the healthy ones.
Oral cancer can affect any part of your mouth, from your lips and cheeks to your tongue and throat. There are many different types of symptoms, but as long as you know what your mouth looks like when it’s healthy, you should be able to spot any abnormalities right away.
Symptoms of oral cancer can present as:
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, cheeks, or palate
- Cold sores or canker sores that do not heal within two weeks
- Lumps or bumps on the lips, cheeks or gums
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing or chewing
- Vocal changes or difficulty speaking
- Teeth that feel loose
- Persistent pain in the mouth, lips, or ears
- Loss of sensation in the mouth, lips, or neck
- Swelling in the neck or jaw
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss
Should I Go to the Dentist or the Doctor?
If you’re worried about any changes in your mouth, you should talk to your dentist first. They can rule out dental problems like gum disease or a tooth abscess, and they can also examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Although a dentist cannot provide a diagnosis, they can refer you to a doctor for further examinations and tests.
Get an Oral Cancer Screening at Your Next Dental Checkup
We know that oral cancer is a frightening prospect, but getting screened on a regular basis is important, especially if you’re over 40 or at risk. An early diagnosis can increase your chances of survival by over 50%. Routine exams and screenings from your dentist twice a year and a solid daily oral health routine will help you notice any problems right away.
If you’re looking for comprehensive oral health care in Prescott, Arizona, make an appointment at Hicks Dental Group today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (5/7/25). Photo by Mufid Majnun on Unsplash