Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, affects thousands of people each year and can have serious health implications if not detected early. This type of cancer can manifest through various visual symptoms that might initially seem harmless but require prompt medical attention when they persist beyond two weeks.
Understanding what mouth cancer looks like can be lifesaving, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the visual indicators of mouth cancer, its various forms, risk factors, and the importance of regular oral cancer screenings.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth. It occurs when cells in these areas mutate and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors that can invade and damage surrounding tissues. Left untreated, mouth cancer can spread to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment crucial for successful outcomes.
What causes mouth cancer?
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing mouth cancer, as these products contain carcinogens that damage cell DNA.
- Alcohol consumption: Regular heavy drinking is linked to higher rates of mouth cancer, and the risk increases substantially when combined with tobacco use.
- HPV infection: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus, particularly HPV-16, are increasingly recognized as major risk factors for oropharyngeal cancers.
- Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases the risk of lip cancer, especially on the lower lip.
- Poor diet: Diets low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to mouth cancer risk by depriving the body of protective antioxidants.
- Compromised immune system: Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system can increase cancer risk.
4 Common Types of Mouth Cancer and Their Specific Symptoms
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line the mouth and throat, most commonly affecting the tongue, floor of the mouth, and lower lip. This aggressive type of cancer can quickly invade deeper tissues and spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can destroy surrounding tissues, compromise vital functions like speaking and swallowing, and eventually metastasize to distant organs including the lungs.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- A lump or thickening of the cheek that can be felt with the tongue
- Persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
Verrucous Carcinoma
Verrucous carcinoma typically appears on the gingiva (gums) and buccal mucosa (inner cheek lining), often at sites where smokeless tobacco is habitually placed. While it rarely metastasizes to distant sites, if untreated, this slow-growing cancer can become locally invasive, destroying surrounding oral tissues and bone. Over time, it can cause significant disfigurement, compromise dental function, and in advanced cases, invade the jawbone and surrounding facial structures.
Symptoms of Verrucous Carcinoma
- Cauliflower-like, warty growths in the mouth, most commonly on the gums or inside the cheek
- White, thick patches that cannot be scraped off
- Painless lesions that grow slowly but persistently
- Growths that may become infected and cause bad breath
Salivary Gland Carcinoma
Salivary gland carcinoma can occur in the major salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, and sublingual) located near the ears, under the jaw, and under the tongue, or in the numerous minor salivary glands throughout the mouth. If untreated, these cancers can invade nearby structures including facial nerves, causing paralysis, pain, and disfigurement. Advanced cases may spread to regional lymph nodes and eventually to the lungs, bones, or liver, significantly reducing survival rates.
Symptoms of Salivary Gland Carcinoma
- Painless swelling or lump near the ear, jaw, or in the mouth or neck
- Facial numbness or muscle weakness on one side of the face
- Persistent pain in the face, chin, or neck
- Difficulty opening the mouth widely or swallowing
Oropharyngeal Cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer affects the middle part of the throat, including the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and pharyngeal walls. Due to its location deep within the throat, early detection can be challenging. Untreated oropharyngeal cancer can severely impact breathing, speaking, and swallowing functions. It commonly spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck and, without treatment, can metastasize to the lungs and other distant sites, dramatically reducing chances of survival.
Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Cancer
- Persistent sore throat or pain when swallowing
- Ear pain that doesn’t subside
- Unexplained weight loss
- Voice changes or hoarseness
- Lump in the back of the mouth, throat, or neck
- Sensation of a lump in the throat that doesn’t go away
How is mouth cancer diagnosed?
- Physical examination: A dentist or doctor will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, looking for abnormalities like red or white patches, sores, lumps, or growths on the lips, gums, cheeks, and other areas inside the mouth.
- Medical history review: Your healthcare provider will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and risk factors to assess your overall risk for mouth cancer.
- Biopsy: If suspicious areas are found, a small sample of tissue will be removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine if cancer cells are present.
- Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans may be used to determine if a tumor exists, its size, and whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the body.
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera might be used to examine areas of the throat that aren’t visible during a regular exam.
- HPV testing: Since HPV is a risk factor for certain types of mouth cancer, testing for the presence of this virus might be conducted, particularly for oropharyngeal cancers.
What can be mistaken for mouth cancer?
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear inside the mouth and are not contagious. Unlike mouth cancer, canker sores typically heal within one to two weeks without treatment. They can be painful, especially when eating or drinking, but are benign and do not indicate cancer. Canker sores are usually round with a white or yellow center and a red border.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast that creates white patches in the mouth that can be scraped off, revealing a red and sometimes bleeding surface underneath. This condition is more common in babies, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Unlike mouth cancer, thrush responds well to antifungal medications and doesn’t typically cause hard lumps or sores that don’t heal.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia presents as thick, white patches on the gums, inside of the cheeks, bottom of the mouth, or on the tongue that cannot be rubbed off. While not cancerous itself, leukoplakia can sometimes be a precancerous condition. It’s often caused by irritants like tobacco and alcohol. The key difference from mouth cancer is that leukoplakia doesn’t typically cause pain and the patches have distinct borders.
Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the mouth, creating a lacy, white pattern on the inside of the cheeks or white patches that may be painful. This chronic condition can come and go for years and is thought to be related to an immune system response. Unlike mouth cancer, lichen planus typically appears symmetrically on both sides of the mouth and doesn’t typically form hard lumps.
Geographic Tongue
Geographic tongue is a harmless condition characterized by irregular, smooth, red patches on the tongue that are surrounded by white borders. These patches give the tongue a map-like appearance, hence the name. The pattern on the tongue can change location and appearance daily, which differs from the persistent nature of mouth cancer. Geographic tongue can cause sensitivity to certain foods but is not associated with cancer.
Can mouth cancer be treated?
Yes, mouth cancer can be treated, particularly when detected at an early stage. The 5-year survival rate for localized oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers is approximately 85%, highlighting the importance of early detection. Treatment approaches vary depending on the cancer’s type, location, stage, and the patient’s overall health. A multidisciplinary team typically works together to create a personalized treatment plan aimed at eliminating the cancer while preserving oral function and appearance as much as possible.
6 Treatment Options for Mouth Cancer
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue is often the first approach for mouth cancer. For small tumors, minimally invasive surgery may be possible, while larger tumors might require more extensive procedures that could affect speech, chewing, or swallowing.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy beams are used to kill cancer cells and can be used alone for early-stage cancers or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. Side effects may include dry mouth, tooth decay, and tissue damage.
- Chemotherapy: Powerful medications are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body and are typically used in combination with other treatments, especially for advanced stages of mouth cancer.
- Targeted drug therapy: Newer medications target specific weaknesses in cancer cells, which can be effective while causing less damage to normal cells than chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps your immune system fight cancer by interfering with the ability of cancer cells to hide from your immune system.
- Reconstructive surgery: Following removal of the tumor, reconstructive procedures may be needed to restore appearance and function, potentially involving grafts of skin, muscle, or bone from other parts of the body.
Conclusion
Recognizing the visual signs of mouth cancer is crucial for early detection and successful treatment. From persistent sores and white patches to unusual lumps and difficulty swallowing, being aware of these symptoms can prompt timely medical intervention. Remember that many conditions can mimic mouth cancer, so professional evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis.
If you notice any concerning changes in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with us at Ultra Dental for a comprehensive oral examination. Stay informed about your oral health by following us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and reading our reviews on Yelp to learn more about our commitment to early detection and prevention of oral diseases.