Oral cancer screening – some of the symptoms
Sore gums
Sore spots around the inside of the mouth
Loose teeth
Changes in speech/difficulties speaking
Difficulties swallowing and chewing food
An ulcer or sore inside the mouth should heal within two weeks. If it doesn’t, it’s best to have a dentist take a look.
If left untreated, it can become a health concern.
We complete an oral cancer check as part of your general check-up.
Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth, which most commonly involves the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the:
Cheek lining
Floor of the mouth
Gums (gingiva)
Roof of the mouth (palate)
SYMPTOMS
Sore, lump, or ulcer in the mouth:
May be a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
Most often pale-coloured, but may be dark or discoloured
On the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
Usually painless at first (may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumour is advanced)
Bleeding
Other symptoms that may occur with oral cancer include:
Chewing problems
Mouth sores
Pain with swallowing
Speech difficulties
Swallowing difficulty
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Tongue problems
Weight loss
SIGNS AND TESTS
Your doctor and/or dentist will examine your mouth area.
The examination may show:
A sore on the lip, tongue, or other area of the mouth
An ulcer or bleeding
Tests used to confirm oral cancer include:
Gum biopsy
Tongue biopsy
X-rays and CT scans may be performed to determine if the cancer has spread.