Oral Cancer Symptoms and Appearance

Oral Cancer has Many Symptoms

Oral cancer can present with many different symptoms.  Often, a non-healing ulcer (wound), whether or not it is painful, is the first presenting symptom.  A recent study suggests that the onset of orofacial pain that worsens during function may be an important predictor for the transition from oral pre-cancer to cancer.  Screening patients who have new-onset orofacial pain may lead to a diagnosis of early resectable head and neck cancer, and may improve quality of life and survival rates for patients.

Various Symptoms 

Other symptoms that should raise suspicion include:  white or red spots, bleeding mouth sores, increased mouth pain, loose teeth, poor fitting dentures, non-healing extraction socket, ear pain, lip or tongue numbness, difficult or painful swallowing, change in speech or a lump in the neck.  It is very important to remember that any white/red lesion or ulcer in the mouth that has not healed within three weeks should be evaluated.

Oral Cancer Screening 

Dr. Tupac provides oral cancer screening as part of new patient and patient recall examinations. He also works with Dr. Tung Trang, Chief of Head and Neck Oncology, of Kern Medical Center with the prosthetic treatment of cancer patients both in the operating room and after tumor surgery for patients recovering with surgical defects.  Dr. Tupac had almost 40 years of experience in the prosthetic reconstruction of oral cancer patients to reestablish near normal function as it relates to speaking and eating in addition to maintaining facial appearance.

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

As part of our celebration of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, these are the warning signs of oral cancer:

• red or white patches in or behind the mouth
• mouth sores or ulcers that bleed easily and do not heal
• unexplained lump in the neck, throat or floor of the mouth
• difficulty or discomfort swallowing
• pain and tenderness in segments of teeth or gums
• change in the fit of dentures or partial dentures
• visible change in mouth tissue
• unpleasant sensations (pain, discomfort, numbness)
• diminished ability to perform normal functions such as opening jaw, chewing or swallowing
• unexplained swelling or fullness in neck 

Your Board Certified Prosthodontist is trained in oral cancer screening procedures.





Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

As a Board Certified Prosthodontist, Dr. Tupac treats many patients who have had oral cancer.  Special techniques and prosthetic devices are often necessary and training in this area is confined to an area called maxillofacial prosthetics, and Dr. Tupac has had forty years of experience in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

That's why all new patients, all recall patients and all patients who return to the office after not having been seen for a year get a full examination of their oral soft and hard tissues.  This oral cancer screening is performed just as a matter of course, because  early detection is always associated more successful treatment.  If you have any questions about any areas of your mouth, be sure to ask when you see us!


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309