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Oral Cancer Exam
 Oral cancer often appears unnoticed in the mouth as a tiny white or red spot or sore. Because many people do not realize they have oral cancer, a diagnosis may not be made until the problem has become more advanced, making treatment more difficult; currently, fifty percent of patients diagnosed with oral cancer in the U.S. do not survive more than five years. Fortunately, early detection of cancer and pre-cancerous conditions provides a higher probability of cure. Regular dental examinations are an invaluable part of early cancer detection and treatment.
Oral cancer can be caused or exacerbated by heavy alcohol and tobacco use and sun exposure. It may appear on the lips, gums, inner cheeks, tongue, or hard or soft palate. Signs to watch out for include:
- A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
- Red or white patches
- A change in color of any parts of the mouth
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth/ lips
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw/tongue
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- A change in the way the teeth fit together
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