Early Signs of Mouth Cancer

Early Signs of Mouth Cancer

Introduction

Mouth or oral cancer is a serious condition affecting various mouth parts, like the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. These parts are affected by the growth of cancerous cells, which can increase over time, making it important to detect and treat the issue as soon as possible. However, the signs of mouth cancer are minimal and often overlooked as rashes or other minor problems. This blog enlists various symptoms that can point towards oral cancer and mean that you need to visit a medical professional immediately.

Understanding Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer can be caused in any part of the oropharynx or the oral cavity, the area at the back of the mouth. The problem usually starts with a little growth or soreness, which can spread to other body parts. The chances of mouth cancer are increased by factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to sun, HPV, and poor oral hygiene. It is essential to recognize the cause and symptoms of oral cancer to get effective treatment.

Persistent Sores or Ulcers

Noticing persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth is one of the early signs of mouth cancer. If you notice unexplained sores on the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and the roof of the mouth that last longer than a week or two, it might be a sign of cancerous growth. Cancerous sores do not heal with time and can even worsen and spread to other mouthparts. These sores can initially be painless, which is why they are ignored. Over time, they can become painful, especially while eating or drinking. If you notice any such sores that have been there for weeks, consult your doctor for immediate evaluation.

Unexplained Bleeding or Numbness

Unexplained bleeding of the gums, lips, or tongue can be a primary sign of mouth cancer. This may happen randomly or even after minor trauma, such as brushing or during meals. If you notice blood in your saliva without any obvious cause, this may indicate the need for immediate medical interference.

Also, if you notice numbness in your mouth or feel like something is stuck in your throat, it could indicate nerve involvement in the growth of cancerous cells, where these cells might be on or around the nerves.

White or Red Patches

Leukoplakia, or white patches, and Erythroplakia, or red patches inside the mouth, are early warning signs of mouth cancer. Leukoplakia can appear as thick white patches on the gums, in the inner wall of the cheeks, or on the tongue. It may be caused by repeated irritation from alcohol or tobacco or even mean cancerous growth.

Erythroplakia appears as a flat or mildly raised red area that bleeds easily. It is more likely to be associated with cancerous cells and hence requires evaluation by a dentist or doctor.

By detecting the cause of these patches early, you can prevent these issues from turning into cancer.

Difficulty Swallowing or Persistent Sore Throat

Difficulty swallowing without apparent cause can be a sign of oral cancer. This difficulty in swallowing may be accompanied by a persistent sore throat that doesn't improve with typical treatments. Cancer in the mouth or throat can lead to a tightening feeling, or something stuck in the throat, making it difficult to swallow food and liquids. While this may seem like a less serious problem, like a throat infection or acid reflux, it might be serious if it lasts more than two weeks, and it is important to consult a doctor.

Early detection makes it possible to prevent the spread.

Changes in Voice or Speech

When cancerous cells start growing, they can lead to hoarseness in voice or slurred speech. This change in voice begins as a subtle change but may worsen over time if it is caused by cancer. Please pay attention to any unexplained changes in your voice that last more than two weeks, and visit a doctor to have them evaluated. Especially if the hoarse voice is not accompanied by cold or throat infections, it can signal cancer formation. Any difficulty in articulating words or changes in the quality of your voice indicates the presence of a tumor that might be affecting the muscles or nerves involved in speech. Knowing these facts can help you understand your condition and seek medical advice.

Swelling or Lumps in the Mouth or Neck

The appearance of unexplained swelling or lumps in the mouth or nearby area can alarmingly point towards mouth cancer. These lumps can initially be painless and easy to overlook, but if they persist for longer, this may be because of an underlying serious condition. Swelling in the jaw can be a sign of cancerous cells growing there, and lumps in the neck can mean the cancer is spreading to the lymph nodes. These can easily be assessed by self-examination, and upon finding any such swelling or lumps, seek medical help on high priority.

Conclusion

Oral cancer is an alarming condition that is affecting millions of people annually. One of the main reasons for this affection of people worldwide is ignorance of symptoms that appear long before the condition becomes serious. Thus, knowledge of this issue can help many detect them in the earliest stage and seek medical help before it worsens. Look out for any symptoms mentioned in this blog, and if you notice any, visit a doctor as soon as possible to get an expert analysis.

Mouth cancer can be tough, but at Dr. Girhe Dental Clinic, we provide the best support and care for Mouth Cancer Treatment In Aurangabad.