Oral cancer is more common than many people realize — yet its early signs can slip under the radar until it’s advanced. In the United States, the American Dental Association reports that over 54,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer and approximately 11,00 pass away from it each year. When warning signs go unnoticed, treatment becomes more difficult and outcomes less certain. Early detection can make the difference. At Drs. Rosen & Dworkin, PA – Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Marlton, NJ, we want our patients to know that paying attention to subtle changes inside the mouth matters more than they may ever know. Here, we discuss signs and how the concerned person can take action.
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Understanding Oral Cancer
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can appear on the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, or floor of the mouth under the tongue. This disease often begins as a small sore or lump that does not heal. If left untreated, it can spread quickly to other parts of the body, making treatment more challenging. According to Yale Medicine, most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which means they start in the flat cells lining the mouth and throat. Early diagnosis can significantly increase the chance of recovery, so knowing what it is — and what to look for — matters greatly.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but some lifestyle choices and health factors raise the risk. Tobacco use remains the biggest risk factor. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco all contribute to changes in the mouth’s cells that may lead to cancer. Heavy alcohol use also increases risk, especially when combined with tobacco. Age is another important factor — people over age 55 have a higher chance of developing oral cancer, although it can occur in younger adults too. In fact, Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has become one of the leading causes of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly among younger adults who do not smoke or drink heavily.
Overlooked Warning Signs
Early Symptoms You Might Dismiss
Some of the earliest signs of oral cancer can look and feel harmless at first. For example, a sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks could be an early warning sign, yet many people mistake it for a minor canker sore or irritation from biting the cheek. Patches of red or white inside the mouth or on the tongue may also be easy to ignore, but these color changes can indicate abnormal cells that need attention. Another overlooked symptom is a small lump or thickening inside the cheek, gum, or lip. These lumps are sometimes painless, which is why they can go unnoticed until they grow larger or cause discomfort while eating or speaking. Even persistent bad breath can point to hidden infections or lesions that should be examined by a dental professional.
Subtle Changes
Oral cancer can reveal itself through subtle changes that people rarely connect to a serious problem. A change in the way your voice sounds — such as persistent hoarseness — could mean cancer is affecting the throat or vocal cords. Some patients notice numbness in the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth, which might signal nerve involvement. Unexpected bleeding in the mouth without an obvious cause, or a feeling that something is caught in the throat, should not be ignored. Even loose teeth in adults can be a sign that something more serious is happening beneath the surface. Being aware of these hidden signs allows patients to speak up sooner and have dentists investigate concerns before the disease advances. The American Cancer Association provides potential signs and symptoms, several discussed in the article, through this link.
The Importance of Routine Screening
Why Early Detection Helps Save Lives
When oral cancer is found early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher. Unfortunately, many cases are discovered late because the signs can be painless or easily confused with other issues. Treatment for oral cancer may involve surgery, radiation therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy. When the disease is detected in its earliest stages, less invasive treatments may be possible, preserving more of the mouth’s normal function and appearance. Early-stage treatment often means fewer complications and a better quality of life after recovery. That is why regular dental visits play such a big role in catching cancer before it advances.
How Dentists Help Spot It Early
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to notice changes in the mouth that could indicate oral cancer. During a routine dental checkup, an oral cancer screening is typically quick and painless. The dentist carefully examines the lips, gums, tongue, roof, and floor of the mouth for unusual sores, lumps, or discolored patches. They may also gently feel the tissues inside the mouth and neck to check for lumps or areas of tenderness. If something suspicious is found, the dentist might recommend further testing, such as a biopsy. This sample of tissue is then sent to a lab to check for cancerous or precancerous cells. In some cases, additional imaging tests help pinpoint the problem’s size and location. Regular screenings give patients the best chance of catching warning signs early — sometimes even before symptoms develop.
Stay Proactive With Drs. Rosen & Dworkin
Your dentist can be the first line of defense against hidden oral cancer risks. At Drs. Rosen & Dworkin, PA – Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, located in Marlton, NJ, we take screenings seriously and can help patients understand what to watch for between visits. Regular checkups allow us to identify subtle signs before they lead to large issues, giving you greater peace of mind about your health. If you notice a substantial passage of time since your last last exam, now is the perfect time to schedule. Book your appointment through this link or give us a call today.