Oral Cancer

There are several symptoms of mouth cancer. The most common symptoms include:

• Lumps, bumps, rough spots, crust, and an erosion of the gum, lips or inside of the mouth
• White, red, or speckled patches inside of the mouth
• Bleeding in the mouth for no obvious reason
• Pain, numbness, or loss of feeling in the face, neck and mouth
• Sores on the face, mouth and/or neck which do not heal within two weeks and bleed easily
• Persistent sore throat
• A feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulty moving the tongue and jaw
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing and speaking
• Change in voice
• Hoarseness
• Shifting of teeth
• Change in the way dentures fit
• Ear pain
• Weight loss

There are several risk factors for developing oral cancer.

• People who smoke cigarettes, cigars and pipes are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than those who do not
• People who use smokeless tobacco, including dip, snuff and chewing tobacco are five times more likely to develop oral cancer than those who do not use these products
• People who drink alcohol excessively are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than people who do not consume alcohol
• A family history of cancer
• Excessive exposure to the sun

If a dentist detects a mass or lesion in the mouth, it would be biopsied with an oral brush. The brush would take a sample of the tissue, and it would be analyzed for any abnormal, cancerous cells. In some cases, if the lesion or mass looks especially suspicious, a scalpel biopsy would be necessary. This would require a local anesthesia.

Prognoses for Patients With Oral Cancer

1 year survival rate: 81%

5 year survival rate: 56%

10 year survival rate: 41%

If left undetected, oral cancer can be very deadly. The best defense against oral cancer is living a healthy lifestyle and to see the dentist on a regular basis. At Dental Brothers, we examine our patients for possible cancer symptoms at every visit. Contact us to schedule your next checkup.