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Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a time to prioritize your health and learn the early signs of this often-silent disease. Symptoms can seem minor at first, but recognizing them early can make all the difference.
In this blog, you’ll find the most common symptoms of oral cancer, who’s at greater risk, and a quick quiz that can help you decide whether it’s time to schedule a screening.
Table of Contents
- Oral Cancer Quiz: A Simple Check for Common Symptoms
- Quiz Results: What Your Answers Mean
- Why Early Detection Matters
- FAQs About Oral Cancer Screening
- Schedule Your Oral Pathology Exam Today
Key Takeaway
Watch for the earliest signs: a sore that does not heal, white or red patches, mouth pain, lumps, numbness, or a persistent sore throat. These may signal oral cancer or other serious conditions.
Oral Cancer Quiz: A Simple Check for Common Symptoms
This quiz is not intended to be a diagnostic tool but rather a starting point to help you recognize potential warning signs and decide whether it’s time to see an oral health professional.
Answer YES or NO to each question below. Be honest and think back over the past 2–3 weeks.
🟢 Symptoms in the Mouth
- Do you have a sore in your mouth that has not healed in over 2 weeks?
- Do you have a lump, bump, or thick patch inside your cheek, lip, or tongue?
- Do you notice red or white patches inside your mouth or white splotches on your tongue?
- Is there pain or numbness in your mouth or tongue without a known cause?
- Do you have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw?
🔴 Changes to the Jaw, Face, or Neck
- Do you feel a lump in your neck or under your jawline that could signal neck cancers?
- Have you experienced jaw stiffness or difficulty opening your mouth fully?
- Is one side of your face swollen or sore without injury?
- Do you have persistent ear pain or sore throat on one side (not from infection)?
- Is your voice hoarse for more than two weeks?
🟠 Lifestyle and Risk Factors
- Do you currently use tobacco (smoking or chewing)?
- Do you consume alcohol more than three times per week?
- Have you ever tested positive for HPV?
- Are you over the age of 40?
- Do you have a family history of cancer, frequent sun exposure, or past canker sores mistaken for symptoms of mouth cancer?
Quiz Results: What Your Answers Mean
- 0–2 YES Answers: Your current risk appears low. Still, continue routine screenings and self-checks for oral cancer symptoms.
- 3–5 YES Answers: You may have early warning signs. Schedule an oral cancer screening soon.
- 6+ YES Answers: Some of your answers suggest it may be a good time to see a dental or medical professional for a thorough evaluation. Many symptoms have harmless causes, but it’s best to have them checked to be sure.
Knowing the difference between benign conditions and potentially dangerous ones is key. Learn more in our blog: Linea Alba in the Mouth: What It Means and How It Differs from Leukoplakia
Why Early Detection Matters
Oral cancer is often missed in its early stages. Routine screenings and a visual exam give you the best chance of successful treatment.
Benefits of early screening include:
- Quicker oral cancer diagnosis and intervention
- Less invasive mouth cancer treatment with better prognosis for mouth cancer
- Improved survival rates and outcomes for adult patients
FAQs About Oral Cancer Screening
No, the screening itself is quick and painless. It typically involves a visual check and gently feeling inside your mouth. If anything unusual is found, your provider will talk you through the next steps, which may include further testing or a biopsy.
Most oral cancer screenings take less than 15 minutes and are part of a regular dental exam. If your dentist sees anything unusual, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for a more detailed evaluation. At that visit, the oral surgeon will review your medical history, examine the area closely, and may recommend additional imaging or a biopsy if needed.
Anyone over 40, those who use tobacco or alcohol, and people with HPV should have an oral cancer screening once a year. It’s also recommended for anyone with increased risk factors such as a family history of cancer or frequent sun exposure.
Schedule Your Oral Pathology Exam Today
Oral Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect reminder to take your health seriously. If you notice any unusual symptoms or answered “yes” to even a few questions in the quiz, it may be time to schedule an exam.
Our team at Oral Facial & Implant Specialists specializes in oral pathology and diagnosis. If you would like your dentist to refer you to our office, have them fill out our referral form. While referrals are accepted, they are not required. You can book an appointment with our office without a referral. To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
