Oral cancer is a serious disease with a high fatality rate. These high death rates are mostly due to late diagnoses. When the condition is detected and treated early, survival is much more likely.

Mouth cancer can develop on the gums, lips, tongue, cheeks, on the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue. Oftentimes it is a dentist who first notices any abnormalities or irregularities during a routine checkup. They then refer patients to our surgery for further diagnosis and treatment.

A biopsy will be ordered if anything suspicious is found. If the results are positive, Dr Zoud will refer you to a Head and Neck Cancer specialist to treat the condition.

Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

Also referred to as canker sores, mouth ulcers are painful lesions that can occur anywhere inside the mouth. Typically, mouth ulcers resolve on their own. Occasionally, canker sores may linger and interfere with your quality of life. In these instances, you may need to see an oral pathologist to address the issue.

Some individuals develop a burning sensation in the mouth, affecting the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, or palate. This is referred to as burning mouth syndrome, and it occurs most commonly in women over 50 years of age.

While some factors – such as dry mouth, certain medications, GERD, or food allergies – have been linked to burning mouth syndrome, no primary cause is known. This condition is not curable, but it can be successfully managed with the help of an oral healthcare professional.

This chronic inflammatory condition may appear as red, swollen areas or white, lacy patches on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Lichen planus develops when the immune system attacks cells for no known reason. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be managed successfully.

Cysts and lesions of the jaw can vary significantly in terms of size and appearance. Many of them are also benign, but they can be detrimental to your oral health and quality of life.

Dentigerous Cyst

This type of cyst develops when a tooth is unable to complete the eruption process. It is characterised by a fluid-filled sac that forms in the jaw and soft tissues. The exact cause is unknown, and the condition most commonly affects patients in their 20s or 30s.

Keratocysts

Most often found in the lower jaw near the third molars, an odontogenic keratocyst is slow-growing and benign. Left untreated, however, it can be destructive to local structures.

Ameloblastoma

This rare jaw disorder is characterised by abnormal tissue growth. Generally, these cysts are not malignant, but can be quite aggressive in the involved areas.