What Does Mouth Cancer Look Like?

Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and back of the throat.

While it’s relatively uncommon compared to some other cancers, it can be life-threatening if not caught early. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of the causes, risk factors, and how regular dental care plays a key role in both prevention and early detection.

What Causes Mouth Cancer?

Unlike some cancers, there are usually clear factors that contribute to the development of mouth cancer. The biggest culprits are:

• Tobacco use ⁠— This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and also chewing tobacco or using snuff. Tobacco use is by far the leading risk factor for mouth cancer.
• Heavy alcohol use — Frequent, heavy consumption of alcohol also greatly increases your risk. The risk is even higher if you both smoke and drink heavily.
• HPV infection — Certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are now linked to cancers of the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue.
• Sun exposure — Prolonged sun exposure without using lip balm with SPF can increase the risk of lip cancer.

Other Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer

While the factors above are the most significant, there are other things that might increase your risk of mouth cancer:

• A diet very low in fruits and vegetables may be a factor.
• Risk increases with age, with most oral cancers diagnosed after age 55.
• Men are roughly twice as likely as women to get oral cancer.
• People who have immune-suppressing conditions or who have had organ transplants may be at slightly increased risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer can be tricky. In the early stages, it might not cause any pain or obvious problems.

That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for. Here’s a breakdown of possible signs and symptoms:

Inside Your Mouth & Throat

These symptoms in your mouth and throat may indicate mouth cancer:

• Sores that don’t go away — Little ulcers or canker sores happen to everyone and usually heal in a week or two. However, a sore in your mouth that sticks around, especially if it’s painless, needs to be checked out.
• Red or white patches — Reddish patches (erythroplakia) or white patches (leukoplakia) that you can’t scrape off could be early pre-cancerous changes. They might feel velvety or a bit rough.
• Lumps, bumps, and thick areas — Unusual thickening of the tissues inside your mouth or lumps/bumps on your gums, cheek, or lips that don’t go away could be something serious.
• Bleeding with no cause — Bleeding from your mouth or gums for no clear reason (like aggressive brushing) should be checked by a doctor or dentist.
• Numbness or pain — Long-lasting numbness, pain, or tenderness in your mouth, lips, or face that isn’t from a toothache or other obvious issue can be a red flag.
• Sore throat doesn’t go away — Especially if it’s on one side, or you also have ear pain, a sore throat that hangs on might be a sign of cancer in the back of the mouth.

Noticeable Changes Outside

Swollen lymph nodes in your neck can indicate that your body is fighting an infection. However, persistent swelling or the presence of a hard, non-tender lump warrants further investigation. These could be signs that mouth cancer has spread to the lymph nodes before other symptoms appear.

Problems chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue, especially if it gets worse, could also mean a tumor is affecting those functions.

Other Things to Watch For

A rule of thumb is that anything that doesn’t clear up within two weeks or keeps getting worse needs a professional to examine it.

For example, voice changes or unexplained weight loss are potential signs that should not be ignored, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as mouth cancer.

How Is Mouth Cancer Found and Diagnosed?

The process of detecting and diagnosing mouth cancer begins with a thorough examination. Your dentist or doctor will meticulously inspect your entire mouth and throat for any suspicious areas. They’ll pay special attention if you have symptoms like a sore that won’t heal.

If a concerning area is identified, a biopsy is conducted as the gold standard for diagnosis. This involves taking a small tissue sample and sending it to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

If cancer is confirmed, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs are typically ordered. These imaging techniques provide detailed “maps” of the inside of your head and neck, allowing doctors to pinpoint the cancer’s location and whether it has spread to other areas.

What Is Treatment for Mouth Cancer Like?

Treatment for mouth cancer will be different for each person. Your team of doctors will consider the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences to create a tailored treatment plan.

Surgery

Surgery is often the primary treatment for mouth cancer. The surgeon’s goal is to remove the entire tumor, including a small margin of healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure no cancerous cells are left behind.

The extent of the surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. In some cases, reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore the appearance and function of the mouth.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells. It can be the primary treatment for early-stage mouth cancers or combined with surgery for more advanced cases.

Your doctor may also use modern radiation techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). These techniques allow for precise targeting of the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs that travel through the bloodstream, killing cancer cells throughout the body. It’s often combined with radiation therapy for advanced mouth cancers or when there’s a high risk of the cancer spreading.

While chemotherapy can effectively kill cancer cells, it also affects healthy cells. This can lead to side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.

Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are newer treatment options that are sometimes used for mouth cancer. These treatments are often less toxic than traditional chemotherapy and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.

Targeted therapy drugs are designed to block specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

Being diagnosed with mouth cancer can be a daunting experience. It’s understandable to feel a range of emotions, including worry, uncertainty, and even anger.

However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey. Your healthcare team is dedicated to supporting you and will collaborate with you to develop the most effective treatment plan to combat the disease.