Oral Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can develop in different parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can invade surrounding tissues.

Many changes in the mouth are harmless and are caused by common problems such as ulcers, infections or irritation. However, an unexplained ulcer, lump, red or white patch, or other change that does not go away should always be checked. Detecting mouth cancer at an earlier stage can make treatment more effective and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Regular dental appointments are therefore about much more than checking for tooth decay. At Glow Dental, mouth cancer screening forms part of our routine dental examinations, helping us identify unusual changes that may require further investigation.

What Are the Symptoms of Mouth Cancer?

One of the most important warning signs is a mouth ulcer that has not healed after three weeks. Most ordinary mouth ulcers disappear within a week or two, so an ulcer that persists should be assessed by a dentist or GP.

Other possible symptoms of mouth cancer can include:

• A persistent lump or thickened area inside the mouth or on the lip
• A red patch, white patch, or a mixture of red and white patches inside the mouth
• Persistent pain or discomfort in the mouth
• A lump in the neck or throat
• Difficulty or discomfort when swallowing
• Difficulty speaking or a persistent change in the voice
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Persistent numbness or an unusual sensation affecting part of the mouth or tongue
• A tooth becoming loose without an obvious dental cause
• Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw normally
• Unexplained weight loss

Having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have mouth cancer. Many of them are much more commonly caused by non-cancerous conditions. Nevertheless, persistent or unexplained changes should not be ignored.

NICE guidance recommends consideration of a suspected cancer referral for unexplained ulceration inside the mouth lasting for more than three weeks, as well as persistent unexplained lumps in the neck. Lumps on the lip or inside the mouth and suspicious red or red-and-white patches should also be assessed promptly.

What Does Mouth Cancer Look Like?

There is no single appearance that identifies mouth cancer. Some early changes may be subtle and may not initially cause pain.

Changes that deserve professional assessment include:

• An ulcer that repeatedly bleeds or refuses to heal
• A persistent red patch
• A persistent white patch
• A red and white patch
• A lump, swelling or thickened area
• An area of the mouth that looks or feels noticeably different from the surrounding tissue

Because some changes can be difficult to identify yourself, routine dental examinations are an important opportunity for a dentist to examine areas of the mouth that you may not routinely check at home.

When Should You See a Dentist About a Mouth Ulcer?

Mouth ulcers are extremely common and, in most cases, are nothing to worry about. They can develop after accidentally biting the cheek, eating certain foods, experiencing stress or irritation from a sharp tooth or dental appliance.

However, you should arrange an examination if an ulcer:

• Has been present for more than three weeks
• Is getting larger rather than healing
• Keeps returning in the same location
• Bleeds unexpectedly
• Looks noticeably different from previous ulcers
• Occurs alongside a persistent lump, red or white patch, swallowing difficulty or other unexplained symptoms

It is particularly important not to assume that a painless ulcer is harmless. Mouth cancer in its early stages does not always cause significant pain.

What Causes Mouth Cancer?

It is not always possible to identify exactly why an individual develops mouth cancer. However, several factors are known to increase the risk.

Smoking and Tobacco

Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes significantly increases the risk of cancers affecting the mouth and throat. Smokeless tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, are also associated with mouth cancer.

If you smoke, stopping is one of the most important things you can do for both your oral and general health. Glow Dental can provide advice and support through our smoking cessation guidance.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of mouth and throat cancer, particularly with higher levels of consumption. The risk is especially significant when smoking and regular alcohol consumption occur together.

Current UK guidance advises adults who drink alcohol not to regularly exceed 14 units per week.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Certain types of human papillomavirus, particularly HPV-16, are associated with cancers of the mouth and throat. The association with HPV is particularly strong for oropharyngeal cancers, which affect areas further back in the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue.

HPV infection itself is extremely common and most infections clear naturally without causing cancer.

Chewing Tobacco, Paan and Betel Nut

Chewing tobacco and products containing betel nut or paan can increase the risk of mouth cancer. Smokeless tobacco should not be considered a safe alternative to smoking.

Sun Exposure

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or sunbeds can increase the risk of cancer affecting the lips, particularly the lower lip.

Age and Other Factors

The risk of mouth cancer increases with age, although it can occur in younger people too. A weakened immune system and certain genetic changes may also increase risk.

Can Mouth Cancer Occur If You Have Never Smoked?

Yes. Although tobacco is one of the most important risk factors, people who have never smoked can still develop mouth or throat cancer.

Alcohol, HPV infection, age, immune-system factors and other biological or environmental influences can all contribute. In some cases, there is no obvious risk factor at all.

This is one reason why dentists examine the whole mouth during routine appointments rather than screening only people who smoke.

How Does a Dentist Check for Mouth Cancer?

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine the soft tissues of your mouth for abnormalities. This can include the:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Gums
• Inside of the cheeks
• Floor of the mouth
• Roof of the mouth
• Back of the mouth and throat where visible

Your dentist may also feel around your mouth, jaw and neck for unusual lumps, swelling or changes in the tissues.

At Glow Dental, oral cancer screening is included as part of routine dental examinations. This allows our dental team to monitor your oral tissues over time and investigate changes that look or feel unusual.

Can a Dentist Diagnose Mouth Cancer?

A dentist can identify signs that may require further investigation, but an examination at a dental practice does not by itself confirm that a person has cancer.

If your dentist identifies a suspicious lesion or another unexplained abnormality, you may be referred to an appropriate hospital specialist for further assessment.

A biopsy, where a small sample of tissue or cells is removed and examined, is one of the main tests used to diagnose mouth cancer. Depending on the findings, specialists may also use imaging such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan.

An urgent referral does not mean that you definitely have cancer. Many suspicious-looking changes ultimately have a non-cancerous cause. Referral simply ensures that an abnormality is investigated appropriately and without unnecessary delay.

Why Is Early Detection of Mouth Cancer Important?

Early detection matters because cancers that are identified before they have grown extensively or spread to other parts of the body may be easier to treat.

This is why it is important not to repeatedly ignore an ulcer or other change simply because it does not hurt.

According to NHS guidance, finding mouth cancer earlier can make it easier to treat. If something looks unusual, having it examined promptly is preferable to waiting for symptoms to become more noticeable.

Can You Reduce Your Risk of Mouth Cancer?

Not every case of mouth cancer can be prevented, but there are several steps that can reduce your risk:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products.
• Limit alcohol consumption and remain within recommended UK guidelines.
• Avoid chewing tobacco, betel nut and paan.
• Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure.
• Eat a balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and vegetables.
• Attend regular dental examinations.
• Tell your dentist about any persistent or unexplained changes in your mouth.

Maintaining good general oral health is also important. Our general dentistry services in Battersea focus on preventive care and identifying dental and oral health problems as early as possible.

Should I Check My Mouth at Home?

It is useful to be familiar with what your mouth normally looks and feels like. This can make it easier to notice a new ulcer, patch, lump or other change.

You can periodically look at your lips, gums, tongue and inside your cheeks in good lighting. You can also gently lift your tongue to look at the floor of the mouth.

However, self-checking should not replace professional dental examinations. Dentists are trained to assess changes in oral tissues and can examine areas that are difficult to see yourself.

How Glow Dental Can Help

Glow Dental provides comprehensive dental care from our practice on Northcote Road in Battersea. As part of a routine examination, our dentists assess not only your teeth and gums but also the soft tissues of your mouth.

Our approach includes:

• Oral cancer screening during routine examinations – checking the mouth for unusual or suspicious tissue changes.
• Assessment of persistent mouth ulcers and lesions – particularly changes that have not healed as expected.
• Monitoring oral health over time – making it easier to recognise changes from previous examinations.
• Appropriate specialist referral – if an abnormality requires further investigation or diagnosis.
• Smoking cessation advice – helping patients reduce one of the most important preventable risk factors for mouth cancer.
• Preventive dental care – helping you maintain healthy teeth, gums and oral tissues through regular examinations.

Concerned About a Change in Your Mouth?

Most ulcers, lumps and patches in the mouth are not cancer, so discovering something unusual does not automatically mean that there is a serious problem. However, persistent changes should always be investigated.

If you have an unexplained mouth ulcer that has lasted for more than three weeks, a persistent lump, a red or white patch, unexplained pain or another change that concerns you, arrange an examination rather than waiting to see whether it becomes worse.

You can contact Glow Dental in Battersea to arrange an appointment, or learn more about our dedicated mouth cancer screening.

For further independent information about symptoms and when to seek help, visit the NHS mouth cancer guide.