Oral Cancer Screening

The Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Just as you can perform self-checks for other types of cancer, you can also check for signs of oral cancer at home. Regularly examine your mouth for unusual sores, lumps, or discolorations, and note any persistent pain or difficulty swallowing. A few of the identifying signs of oral cancer include:

• Red Patches: Red, velvety patches that may appear on the floor of the mouth, tongue, or soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth)
• Leukoplakia: Thick, white patches that cannot be wiped away, often found on the tongue, cheeks, or gums
• Lumps: Any lumps, bumps, or thickening of the skin or tissue in the mouth, lips, or throat
• Unexplained Bleeding: Frequent bleeding in the mouth, especially from sores or lesions that don’t heal
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling or lumps in the neck, especially if they are painless and persist for a long time
• Difficulty Swallowing: This may be accompanied by a feeling that something is stuck in your throat

While these self-checks are a good first step in identifying potential issues, it’s crucial to have a professional perform a more thorough evaluation. At My Family Dental Grosse Pointe, we have the expertise and tools available to detect early signs of oral cancer that might be missed during a self-exam.