Spotting the Threat: A Guide to Oral Cancer Symptoms and Self-Examination

Oral cancer encompasses cancers of the lip, tongue, gums, cheek lining, and other areas of the mouth, and can be a silent and serious threat. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, making it vital to understand the signs and symptoms and to perform regular self-examinations. This guide will walk you through what to look for, how to check yourself, and when to seek professional help.

Understanding Oral/Mouth Cancers - Where Can It Appear?

Mouth cancer can manifest in various forms and locations within the oral cavity. While often associated with the tongue, it can develop on the:

• Lips: Often appearing as a sore that doesn't heal, a lump, or a rough patch.
• Gums: Look for red or white patches, thickening, or sores that bleed easily.
• Tongue: Persistent sores, red or white patches, or a lump that can make speaking or swallowing difficult.
• Cheeks: White or red patches, sores, or a lump on the inside lining of the cheek.
• Floor of the Mouth: White or red patches, lumps, or a sore that doesn't heal.
• Roof of the Mouth: Similar to other areas, look for discolored patches or persistent sores.

Key Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

While a professional diagnosis is always necessary, being aware of potential indicators can prompt you to seek help sooner. Here are common signs and symptoms of cancer in your mouth:

• Persistent sores or ulcers: Any sore in your mouth or on your lip that doesn't heal within two weeks warrants immediate attention.
• Red or white patches (Erythroplakia or Leukoplakia): These abnormal patches, especially if they are raised or thickened, can be precancerous or cancerous.
• Lumps or swellings: Feel for any unexplained lumps, thickenings, or swellings inside your mouth, on your lips, or in your neck.
• Pain or numbness: Persistent pain or tenderness in any area of your mouth, or unexplained numbness.
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing: Changes in how easily you can swallow or chew food.
• Hoarseness or persistent sore throat: These can be signs if associated with other oral symptoms.
• Unexplained bleeding: Any unusual bleeding from the mouth.
• Loose teeth: Without an apparent dental cause.
• Changes in voice: If it's a persistent change without a cold or other explanation.
• Weight loss: Unexplained significant weight loss.

Your Self-Examination Guide: Be Your Own Advocate

Regular self-examinations are a powerful tool in early detection. Aim to perform one monthly, perhaps after brushing your teeth. It only takes a few minutes!

1. Look at Your Lips: Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting. Open your mouth slightly and pull your upper and lower lips down to look for any sores, discoloration, or lumps. Gently feel your lips for any thickening or hard spots.
2. Examine Your Cheeks: Pull your cheek out with your finger and thumb to inspect the inside lining. Look for red or white patches, ulcers, or rough areas. Repeat on the other side.
3. Check Your Gums (Gum Cancer): Look at your gums for any changes in color, swelling, or recession. Note any bleeding when brushing or flossing that isn't typical.
4. Inspect Your Tongue: Stick out your tongue as far as you can and look at the top surface for any changes in color or texture, lumps, or sores. Gently hold the tip of your tongue with a piece of gauze and move it from side to side to inspect the sides and underneath.
5. View the Roof and Floor of Your Mouth: Tilt your head back to see the roof of your mouth (hard palate). Then, lift your tongue to inspect the floor of your mouth, looking for any discolored areas, lumps, or sores.

Seeking Professional Testing and Care

If you discover any concerning signs or symptoms during your self-examination, or if you simply have a nagging worry, it's crucial to seek professional medical advice promptly.

Dental Visits: Your dentist is often the first line of defense. They perform routine oral cancer screenings during your regular check-ups. They will visually inspect your mouth and neck and palpate for any abnormalities. If they find something suspicious, they may:

• Perform a Visual Exam: Dentists are trained to look for all of the different ways oral cancer can manifest itself. This exam is typically performed by shining a bright light into your mouth to get a better look at the contrast of colors and textures. Supplementary tools for dentists are also available such as the Oro Lesion test which analyzes salivary DNA to identify specific biomarkers that trigger cancer growth.

• Incisional or Excisional Biopsy: This is the definitive diagnostic test, where a small piece of tissue (incisional) or the entire lesion (excisional) is removed and sent for pathological examination.

Creating a Plan of Care: If a diagnosis of mouth cancer is made, your healthcare team will work with you to develop a comprehensive plan of care. If caught in a later stage, oral cancer may require a more interdisciplinary approach to treatment. This includes:

• • • Oral Surgeon/Oncologist: To discuss surgical options for removing the cancerous tissue.
• Radiation Oncologist: To consider radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Medical Oncologist: To discuss chemotherapy, which uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.
• Supportive Care Team: Including nutritionists, speech therapists, and social workers, to help manage side effects and maintain quality of life during treatment.

Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. By understanding the signs of lip cancer, gum cancer, and cheek cancer, performing regular self-examinations, and promptly seeking professional advice for any concerns, you empower yourself in the fight against this disease. Don't hesitate to talk to your dentist or doctor if you have any questions or notice anything unusual. Your health is worth it.