Oral cancer
Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth that occurs in or around the mouth. It can occur on the lips, throat, gums, roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks and under the tongue.
Oral cancer can be fatal. Early detection saves lives.
Treatment for oral cancer is more successful the earlier it's detected. Regular dental check-ups with your dental practitioner can help detect early signs of oral cancer. Early detection saves lives. Be aware of any changes to your mouth, lips, face or neck and report them to your doctor or dental practitioner.
Signs and symptoms
Some of the warning signs of oral cancer include:
- swelling or lumps anywhere inside the mouth, on the face or neck
- sores in the mouth or on the lips, face or neck that have not healed within a few weeks
- red, white or dark patches in the mouth
- loss of feeling or pain in any area of the mouth, face or neck
- bleeding in the mouth that is persistent and unexplained
- difficulty or pain when swallowing, talking or eating
- persistent earache
- difficulty in moving the tongue or jaw
- loose teeth
- altered sense of taste.
If any of these signs apply to you, consult a medical or dental practitioner immediately.
Risk factors for developing oral cancer
- smoking and the use of tobacco products
- excessive use of alcohol
- sun exposure
- viral infections including the human papilloma virus (HPV)
- advancing age
- family history of oral cancer
- oral cancer develops much more often in men than in women
- Indigenous Australians are diganosed more often with oral cancer than other Australians.
Prevention
You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by:
- having regular dental check-ups
- avoiding excessive alcohol
- quitting smoking
- maintaining a healthy diet
- avoiding sun exposure
- using a condom or dental dam during oral sex to avoid genital to mouth transmission of the HPV virus
- being aware of changes to your mouth, lips, face or neck and reporting them to your medical or dental practitioner.
Help and assistance
For more information:
- contact your dental practitioner or GP
- call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) for confidential health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- contact Quitline on 13 QUIT (13 78 48) or visit the Quitline website
Cancer Council Queensland
Cancer Council Queensland provides a comprehensive range of cancer booklets, leaflets and brochures which can support people affected by cancer. They also offer a number of emotional support services. To learn more, visit the Cancer Council Queensland website.
Cancer Council 13 11 20 is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by Cancer Councils in each state and territory. Anyone can call Cancer Council 13 11 20—cancer patients, people living with cancer, their families, carers and friends, teachers, students and healthcare professionals. Specially trained staff are available to answer questions about cancer and offer emotional or practical support. Find out more about Cancer Council 13 11 20.