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Oral cancer

Oral or mouth cancer is also referred to as cancer of the oral cavity, and it can manifest itself in various areas of the mouth, such as the tongue, the gums, the lips, the palate, the rear of the throat, the salivary glands and the amygdala.

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A lengthy period of time can elapse between the onset of oral or mouth cancer and the appearance of symptoms. Effective self-examinations are also very difficult in this particular region. Screening by a healthcare professional is thus even more important. The earlier an oral cancer is detected, the more effective any recommended treatments will be.

A clinical examination of the mouth can be performed by your dentist or family doctor during a routine follow-up visit. As part of this examination, a healthcare professional checks all of the tissues in your mouth for any signs of cancer. This exam is painless and only takes a few minutes.

Should there be any doubt as to a possible cancer, the dentist or doctor may suggest additional tests, among them a biopsy, and refer you to an otorhinolaryngologist (ORL), namely a specialist who treats issues with the ears, nose, and throat.

Risk factors associated with oral or mouth cancer include smoking, heavy or chronic alcohol consumption, infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and poor oral hygiene.

If you display symptoms or have risk factors associated with oral cancer, speak with a healthcare professional to explore which exam would be most suitable for your specific situation.

For more information

For more information, call the Info-cancer Hotline at 1-800-363-0063.