Early Indicators of Mouth Cancer: What to Watch For

Introduction

Mouth cancer, also known as oral carcinoma, can impact various areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, palate, and inner cheeks. Recognizing the early symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Provided below are the signs to look out for

1. Persistent Lesions

• White spots (leukoplakia) or red spots (erythroplakia) on the oral mucosa.
• Ulcers or sores: These do not heal within 2-3 weeks and may be painless or cause discomfort.

2. Swellings Or Lumps

• Abnormal swellings: Bumps on the tongue, gums, or other parts of the mouth.
• Palpability: Sensation of a hard lump when palpated with the fingers.

3. Persistent Pain or Discomfort

• Oral pain: Burning sensation or pain in the mouth or tongue.
• Sore throat: Persistent and not related to infection.

4. Difficulty Speaking or Moving the Tongue

• Speech problems: Changes in voice or difficulty speaking.
• Tongue or jaw stiffness: Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or opening your mouth fully.

5. Unexplained Bleeding

• Bleeding gums: Especially in the absence of gum disease known as periodontitis.
• Blood stains: In saliva or while brushing teeth.

6. Loose Teeth or Unstable Dentures

• Tooth mobility: Without an apparent cause, such as trauma or gum disease.
• Denture Instability: Difficulty fitting dentures or prostheses.

7. Changes In Voice or Hoarseness

• Changes in voice tone, which may be persistent and not related to other causes.

8. Unexplained Weight Loss

• Weight loss not associated with changes in diet or physical activity may be a sign of advanced disease

When to see a doctor?

Contact your doctor or dentist if you notice one or more of the following signs for more than two weeks:

1. Unhealed lesions, spots, or ulcers.
2. Abnormal swellings or lumps.
3. Persistent pain in the mouth or difficulty chewing and swallowing.

Main Risk Factors

The following factors increase the risk of developing mouth cancer:

1. Smoking and tobacco use: The main cause of oral cancers.
2. Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk.
3. HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Associated with increasing oropharyngeal cancers.
4. Sun exposure: Specific risk factor for lip cancer.
5. Poor oral hygiene: Can promote the development of precancerous lesions.

Summary Table: Main Symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How to distinguish a common ulcer from a possible tumour?

A common ulcer heals in a few days, while a tumour-related ulcer persists for over 2-3 weeks.

Tip: If the ulcer does not heal, consult your doctor for further tests.

2. Can I notice the symptoms myself?

Yes, by doing regular self-examinations of the mouth in front of the mirror.

Tip: Check your tongue, gums, palate, and cheeks for changes.

3. Is mouth cancer always painful?

No, it often does not cause pain in the early stages.

Tip: Do not ignore lesions or changes even if there is no pain.

4. How is mouth cancer diagnosed?

With a dental or ENT examination, followed by tests such as a biopsy, CT scan or MRI.

Tip: Schedule regular visits to the dentist to detect any abnormalities early.

5. What are the treatment options?

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main options, with excellent results if the tumour is detected early.

Tip: Early diagnosis is essential to increase the chances of recovery.

6. Can mouth cancer be prevented?

Yes, by avoiding smoking, and alcohol, and practising good oral hygiene.

Tip: Get vaccinated against HPV and have regular dental checkups