6 Signs You're at Risk for Oral Cancer

Cancer remains the second most common cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, fewer people are dying of cancer today than in the past two decades. While cancer survival rates are better, there are over 100 types of cancers, and the news isn’t as bright for some cancers like oral cancer.

Every year, about 59,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer. Sadly, only slightly more than half will not be alive in five years. In this blog, Jose Marcano, DMD at the Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, shares his insights on the six signs that may put you at risk for oral cancer. 

What is oral cancer?

Oral or mouth cancer develops when cells on the lips or inside the mouth transform and grow abnormally. It most commonly develops on the tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, or the portions of the mouth known as the hard and soft palate. 

Although anyone can develop oral cancer, it’s most often found in older adults and is much more common in men than women.

At Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we perform oral cancer screenings at regular dental checkups. During the screening, Dr. Marcano checks your tongue, gums, and cheeks, looks for irregularities in tissue color or visible sores, and feels lumps with gloved hands. 

If he notices something that warrants further examination, he performs other diagnostics, such as a toluidine blue mouth rinse or a device called VELScope® Vx to detect possible abnormal cells.

Risk factors and symptoms

You know your body better than everyone else. Be vigilant, and if something doesn’t seem right, don’t wait for your next regular checkup—call your dentist right away. It may be nothing, but your dentist can check it out and let you know what’s going on.

1. Long-term chronic sun exposure

With oral cancer, many risk factors are connected to lifestyle behaviors that are modifiable behaviors that you can change or incorporate strategies to mitigate their impact. Chief among these modifiable lifestyle behaviors that put you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer is chronic sun exposure.

This comes into play for patients with excessive sun exposure when they were younger or who worked or continue to work outdoors, making them more vulnerable to ultraviolet light (UV).  

While you can’t turn back time, there are many things you can do now to mitigate your risk. Chief among them is wearing a hat that shades your face. Also, remember to apply sunscreen that is mainly intended for your face. There’s a ton of unique UV protective apparel that can also make the process easier. Your face and lips will thank you.

2. Tobacco use

Tobacco use is another lifestyle factor that’s harder to change but can make a huge impact not only in lowering your risk for oral cancer but also in improving your overall health. Not surprisingly, smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes increases your risk of developing oral cancer compared to non-smokers. But that’s not all. Smoking puts you at a higher risk for over 12 other types of cancer.

3. Excessive alcohol use

Similarly, alcohol consumption increases your chance of developing oral cancer compared to non-drinkers. The more you consume, the higher the risk. If you use tobacco products and drink alcohol in excess, your oral cancer risk increases exponentially.

4. Mouth sores that won’t heal

Physical and visual signs are the other category of oral cancer risk factors to keep on your radar. Some of these symptoms may be subtler than others. One of the more common symptoms is a mouth sore that lingers and never seems to heal completely.

5. Reddish or white patches inside your mouth

Similarly, reddish or white patches or lesions on the tongue or inside your mouth can indicate early signs of oral cancer. Remember that many types of sores and lesions can develop in the oral cavity, and not all are dangerous.

6. Mouth or ear pain

Oral cancer may also manifest in physical pain, such as mouth or ear pain, which can make chewing, swallowing, or opening your mouth difficult. For other patients, oral cancer may appear as a lump or numbness in the mouth, face, or neck.

If you notice unusual sores or changes in your mouth or experience neck, mouth, or face pain, don’t wait until your next dentist appointment. If you have concerns about oral cancer, book an appointment with Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry. Call the office today at 689-220-2651 to schedule an appointment.