Recognizing oral cancer

Oral cancer is a little known disease. It can develop in several areas of the mouth and throat, including the tongue, lips, palate, salivary glands and tonsils.

Knowing the risk

Smoking and drinking heavily are the greatest risk factors. While each of these activities can trigger oral cancer on its own, together they have a multiplying effect.
Men aged 45 and older are two to three times more at risk of developing this type of cancer than women.
Some research also indicates that a diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetables is a possible risk factor.

Detecting mouth cancer in its early stages

Your dentist can detect mouth cancer in its early stages by performing a clinical exam during a routine checkup. This is called early detection. This simple, painless examination will only take a few minutes.

What to watch out for

An open sore on the lip or in the mouth, like an ulcer, that does not heal within two weeks
A growth on the lip, in the mouth or throat
A red or white spot on the gums, tongue or side of the lip
Un renflement de la joue qui gêne le port de prothèses dentaires.
Difficulty chewing or swallowing or pain when chewing or swallowing
Swelling of the cheek that makes wearing a dental prosthesis uncomfortable
A change in tone of voice, hoarseness or the feeling that something is stuck in your throat
Unusual bleeding, numbness in the tongue, lips or skin of the face

Do Not Wait to Get Help

Many people hesitate to consult a dentist or doctor, because most of the sores caused by oral or throat cancer are not painful. We advise you not to wait, especially if you have a sore that has not healed within two weeks.

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Oral cancer