Skip to main content
Oral Cancer: Know The Warning Signs Gainesville, GA
smiling man

As with all illnesses and diseases, knowing the warning signs can help to save your life. A cancer diagnosis is one of the scariest diagnoses that anyone can receive. Even though many advancements have been made in cancer treatment, there is still a high death rate among those diagnosed with this disease. Oral cancer is not one of the most common cancers, yet it can still cause significant deterioration to your health and loss of life. Oral cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade the oral cavity. In order to identify any warning signs of oral cancer, you must first understand that your oral cavity is made up of your lips, tongue, teeth, gums, palate, floor of the mouth, throat, and sinuses. If signs of cancer are caught in a timely manner, early intervention is often very successful.

Below are common warning signs of oral cancer:

  • Any type of growth inside the oral cavity
  • Lumps, bumps, rough spots, or crusty spots inside the mouth or throat
  • Red, white, or splotchy patches inside the mouth or throat
  • Persistent sores on the lips, cheeks, top, bottom, or back of the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding inside the mouth
  • Unexplained numbness in the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Unexplained pain in the facial features or anywhere inside the mouth
  • A “clogged” feeling in your throat that will not clear
  • Chronic hoarseness or change in your voice
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Ear pain
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Significant weight loss

Knowing the signs of oral cancer are important because, as you can see from the list above, not all signs are obvious. For instance, most people would not associate ear pain with oral cancer. However, the mouth is connected to the throat, which is connected to the sinuses, which are connected to the ears. This inner connection allows cancer to easily spread and extend beyond just the mouth.

If you have any warning signs of oral cancer, please do not hesitate to contact us at Gainesville Dental Group. Our comprehensive practice is here to serve you in all areas of your oral health.

Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group

Our Patient Reviews

Bev M.

Very happy with the staff at Gainesville Dental Group. The doctors are caring and experienced. I never am left in the waiting room. The hygienist always ask thorough questions and report to the doctor before the exam, saving me from having to repeat everything. Highly recommend.

Dennis C.

I came to Gainesville Dental Group with a crown that was in bad shape and painful. Dr. Vetter was very knowledgeable about what needed to be done and went to great lengths to ensure the treatment to resolve the problem was in my best interest. He and assistant Sarah Riley were very professional yet personable. They worked together seamlessly in a manner that put me at ease and were very focused on fixing the tooth. Any physical discomfort was minimal and both Dr. Vetter and Sarah were encouraging and positive. A very good experience.

Sarah R.

I come to Gainesville Dental Group for my routine cleanings and absolutely love it! It’s very clean and I love how up to date they are with digital X-rays and photos of the teeth. I had to have a filling and they were able to point out on the screen where my cavity was on the X-ray. It’s much easier getting the work done when you have an understanding of what the doctor is doing! Dr. Vetter did my filling and the whole procedure was pain free! I can’t say enough good things about this group!

Linda H.

Dr. Gannon and Hannah were great. They talked me thru my procedure and made sure I was comfortable and pain free. The office was friendly and pleasant. My hubby and son have used them and liked them. I've found a new dentist! Thank You GDG.

Candace C.

Since I started my orthodontic treatment fifteen months ago, the staff at Gainesville Dental Group have been exceptional. Dr. Vetter is so kind and energetic and Kim puts you at ease while she works miracles! I am thrilled at my results and that they worked within my timeframe. I gladly recommend The Gainesville Dental Group for a personalized experience. Thank you!

Kayla B.

The whole office staff is amazing! Super friendly and helpful. Dr. Gannon has always been very nice and does great work! My husband sees Dr. Vetter and has only good things to say as well. I highly recommend this office!

Lorrie M.

This is by far the best dental group I have been to in a long time. The staff is wonderful and caring. From the front office to the Dentists are a class act. Very kind and explain step by step. High quality work. Don't plan on going anywhere else. My husband has had the same experience. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Tell them Lorrie sent you

Bruce Y.

Great dental visit! Went in for annual cleaning and x-rays. Donna did an awesome job and pointed out a potential issue which she brought up to the doctor who concurred. It was an excellent visit. Thank you to the "team" @ Gainesville Dental Group.

Read more reviews Write a review

Contact Us

1026 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville GA, 30501

Tel: (770) 297-0401

Opening Hours

Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Our office is open for normal business hours and we are following all ADA/CDC guidelines to ensure staff and patient safety.