Oral cancer five-year survival rates are low at 40%, but if diagnosed early enough, they rise to over 80%. The disease often develops quietly, which is why many people don’t notice symptoms until it reaches a more advanced stage.
At Advanced Implant Dentistry & MedSpa of North Shore in Glenview, Illinois, Howard Jeon, DMD, and our team believe knowledge empowers you to take control of your health. When you understand oral cancer’s early warning signs and the best ways to protect yourself, you improve your chances of detecting issues early on and getting timely care.
Oral cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the mouth or throat. It can affect your lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, the floor or roof of your mouth, tonsils, and even the back of your throat.
Oral cancer becomes more dangerous as it progresses. The good news is that regular dental visits, self-checks, and healthy habits dramatically improve detection and prevention. At Advanced Implant Dentistry & MedSpa of North Shore, our dental oncology experts always look for signs of oral cancer during your routine checkups.
Oral cancer can look different from person to person, but you should never ignore the following symptoms:
A sore that lasts more than two weeks signals that something is not healing normally. Persistent ulcers or areas that bleed easily deserve a professional exam.
Patches of red, white, or a mix of both in your mouth can be early signs of abnormal cell changes. These patches might be flat or slightly raised.
Any lump, bump, or thickened tissue on your lips, gums, or inside your cheeks can be a warning sign. Even if it isn’t painful, get it checked.
A feeling that food gets stuck or discomfort when swallowing may be related to changes in the throat or deeper areas of the mouth.
Loss of sensation in the lips, tongue, or other parts of your mouth can signal nerve involvement and requires prompt evaluation.
A chronic sore throat or hoarse voice may indicate that something is affecting the tissues around the throat or vocal cords.
If you notice any of these symptoms, request an appointment with us right away. Early diagnosis means more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Some factors raise your chances of developing oral cancer. Knowing them helps you make healthier choices.
Cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and smokeless tobacco all increase your oral cancer risk.
Heavy drinking irritates the tissues of your mouth and throat.
HPV, especially HPV-16, is a growing cause of throat cancers.
Your lips can develop cancer from sun exposure just like your skin.
Oral cancer risk increases after 45, although younger adults can also be affected.
Genetics may play a role for some people.
Oral cancers affect twice as many men as women.
If any of these risk factors apply to you, be extra mindful of symptoms and commit to visiting us for regular oral cancer screenings.
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by taking consistent, proactive steps:
Tobacco exposes your mouth to harmful chemicals that damage cells. Quitting makes a significant difference, even when you’ve used tobacco for years.
Moderating your consumption protects your oral tissues from damage and irritation.
Use lip balms with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 and wear a hat when you’re outside for long periods.
The vaccine helps prevent strains of HPV linked to throat cancers.
Fruits and vegetables support your immune system and help your body repair damaged cells.
We take a proactive approach to oral cancer screening and prevention. During every routine exam, we examine your mouth thoroughly and check for abnormal patches, lumps, ulcers, or tissue changes. We also use advanced tools to evaluate suspicious areas.
If we detect anything unusual, we help coordinate fast, expert care so you never feel uncertain or alone.
If you have concerns about oral cancer or want to learn more about prevention, Advanced Implant Dentistry & MedSpa of North Shore is here to support you with compassionate, comprehensive care. Call our office at 847-998-8100 or complete the online form today.
