What Is Mouth Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), oral cancer is categorized as any cancer found in the oral cavity, and that:
The oral cavity includes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa), the teeth, the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth below the tongue, the bony roof of the mouth (hard palate) and the area behind the wisdom teeth (called the retromolar trigone).
Cancer occurs when cells in the body begin to grow out of control, causing a host of medical issues ranging in severity and fatality. In the ACS’ 2025 estimate, they predict about 59,660 new cases, and about 12,770 deaths from oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer
The top risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Genetics and family history
- UV light
- Poor nutrition
First Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Common Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
Below is a breakdown of common symptoms to watch for. Any of these symptoms that persist for more than two weeks should prompt a visit to a dental or oral health specialist.
Symptom | Notes |
Persistent mouth sore | Mouth sores that last for more than 2 weeks without healing. |
White or red patches | These patches are called Leukoplakia (white) erythroplakia (red), and have a high risk of cancerous change. |
Lump or thickening | A lump or thickening of tissues on the tongue, cheek, lips, or gums. |
Pain or numbness | Often ignored, recurring pain and numbness of the mouth, especially on one side. |
Difficulty swallowing or speaking | Swallowing and speaking issues are often a sign of advanced oral cancer, and can start subtly. |
Loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures | If there is no obvious dental reason for these symptoms, it can be a sign of cancer. |
Jaw pain or stiffness | Unexplained soreness or restricted movement without obvious cause. |
Ear pain | If no ear infection is present, this can be referred pain from tumor growth. |
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When to See a Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Early symptoms of oral cancer can be difficult to discern, as many of them can be symptoms for other, benign conditions. A good rule of thumb is to schedule an appointment with your dentist if any of the above symptoms last for two or more weeks, especially if your symptoms don’t seem to correspond with an incident or obvious dental cause. If your dentist is concerned, or if you are still concerned after a meeting with your provider, we recommend asking your dentist for a referral to an oral cancer specialist. The team here at the Oral Cancer Institute is an experienced, skilled Chicago oral cancer specialist option.
An oral cancer specialist has access to cutting-edge diagnostic technology, including radiology and biopsy equipment. A biopsy is the only way to be sure if cancer cells are present, and is necessary before treatment is determined.
How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed
Once your dentist has referred you to an oral cancer specialist, you will be given a complete head and neck exam. This exam will help the specialist find any abnormalities and swelling, especially in the neck and lymph nodes.
Diagnosis: Biopsy Types
To obtain confirmation of cancer cells, your specialist will need to perform a biopsy. Two common biopsy types include:
- Punch Biopsy: A small, circular blade is used to remove a tissue sample from the mouth, especially in cases where a noticeable abnormality is present.
- Brush Biopsy: Cells are collected by a small brush swept over the surface of an abnormality of lesion, without needing to excise tissue.
Can Mouth Cancer Be Prevented or Caught Early?
Oral cavity cancer has a low five-year survival rate due to the commonly delayed rate of detection. The survival rate has risen slightly in recent years, due to improved early detection and oral cancer education.
The effectiveness of early detection makes dental checkups and oral cancer screenings extremely important for oral cancer survival. While many dentists and hygienists perform oral cancer screenings at regular checkups, not all do. If your dentist doesn’t perform these screenings, we recommend asking about it. If they cannot perform them for any reason, ask for referral recommendations.
While an exam by a professional is ideal, there are self-exam techniques you can use to screen for signs of oral cancer at home. Using a bright flashlight and mirror, look for any of the symptoms listed and demonstrated in the chart above. We recommend using this detailed diagram from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons as a guide.
There are certain lifestyle changes you can make that go toward oral cancer prevention. They include:
- Quit all use of tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Receive the HPV vaccination
- Increase fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Protect yourself, specifically your lips, from the sun with hats and sunscreen
- Attend regular dental checkups
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening
If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned mouth cancer symptoms, it’s important to schedule an oral cancer screening or consultation appointment as soon as possible. Though many of these symptoms can be benign, the only way to know for sure is through professional evaluation. It is becoming increasingly clear that early detection is the key to positive outcomes, so we urge you: don’t wait. Schedule an oral cancer screening today.