Detecting Oral Cancer: 4 Symptoms to Watch Out For

2024-01-14 07:09:42

Dentists always recommend monitoring signs that appear on the mouth, which could be a sign of oral cancer.

Here are 4 symptoms to watch out for:

Non-healing ulcers

• Canker sores can be a sign of mouth cancer. They are common and should not be a concern if they heal quickly.
• According to the NHS, ulcers that last for three weeks or more, or grow back larger or near the back of the throat, should be checked.
• Dr Michael Ho, a consultant on face, neck and mouth cancer at Leedshu University, said: “The most common sign of mouth cancer is a persistent ulcer that lasts for more than three weeks.

Swelling or lumps

• Unexplained swellings and lumps around the mouth or jaw can be a sign of cancer.
• In less common cases, cancerous masses can appear on the salivary glands and tonsils and can also appear as thickening in the mouth or on the lip.
• Dr Ho urges anyone who notices these symptoms to visit their dentist or GP, who may refer them for urgent assessments.

Red or white spots

• Cancerous changes in the mouth can appear as red or white spots.
• White spots should be evaluated by a doctor, as they may appear due to a fungal infection.

Numbness

• Numbness around the mouth or tongue can be a warning sign of oral cancer.
• Experts say this tingling and numbness can occur because cancer cells cause damage to nerve vessels in the mouth.

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