Oral Cancer: Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can have a variety of symptoms, including mouth sores that don’t heal, numbness in the mouth or lips, difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, and swelling in the cheeks.
10 common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Lump in the mouth
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing or speaking
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Mouth bleeding
- Numbness or tingling in the lips or mouth
- Swelling of the jaw or gums
- Loose teeth
- If you use dentures, they do not tend to fit anymore
Early Stages of Oral Cancer
Early-stage detection is crucial in ensuring the best possible outcome for patients, as it allows for prompt treatment to begin. This early intervention can greatly increase survival rates and reduce the need for more extensive treatments.
Symptoms of early-stage oral cancer
A common symptom of oral cancer is a sore or ulcer that fails to heal within two weeks. Others include red or white patches in the mouth, unexpected bleeding, numbness or tingling, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or hoarseness in the voice.
How to check for early-stage oral cancer
A simple way to check for this disease is to perform a self-examination around the mouth and throat. Check for any unusual bumps, sores, or patches and changes in color or texture of the tongue, lips or gums.
Treatment options for early-stage oral cancer
A common approach is direct surgery. Radiation therapy is also effective. Additionally, newer treatments like immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy also exist.
Specific Types of Oral Cancer and Their Symptoms
- Cancer on the roof of the mouth
The common symptoms of oral cancer are a lump or sore that doesn’t heal, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and persistent numbness or tingling. There is pain or tenderness in the affected area. - Cancer on the lips:
Some symptoms of oral cancer on the lips include sores or lumps that don’t heal within two weeks or get worse over time. Others are discoloration or white patches on your lips, trouble speaking or swallowing, and bleeding from the gums or mouth. - Gum cancer:
If you have any unusual lumps or bumps on your gums, that’s a big sign that something ain’t right. Also, if gums are bleeding more than usual and don’t seem to be healing properly, you should consult a doctor immediately. - Cheek mouth cancer:
One of the most common cancer in mouth symptoms is a sore or ulcer that won’t go away. There is pain or discomfort in the mouth and difficulty eating or speaking. Swelling or thickening in your cheeks, gums, tongue, or other soft tissues in the mouth as well. Additionally, you may experience numbness in the face or jaw and loose teeth.
Mouth Tumor and its Symptoms
A mouth tumor is a growth that occurs in the oral cavity. It can be either benign or malignant and can occur on the lips, tongue, gums or roof of the mouth.
Cancers on mouth symptoms depend on the type of tumor, but some common signs include difficulty chewing or swallowing, pain in the mouth or neck region, changes in speech patterns and numbness.
How to check for Mouth Tumor
When checking for cancer in mouth symptoms, start by examining the inside of your mouth in a well-lit area. Look for any unusual bumps, swellings or sores. For other cancer in mouth symptoms focus on the lips, gums, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth.
Treatment options for Mouth Tumor
Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatment options are coupled with medications as well.
Is Mouth Cancer Curable?
Treatment options for mouth cancer
One can completely cure mouth cancer using surgery if it hasn’t spread to your throat or beyond. Otherwise, one has to opt for a combination of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery and medications.
Factors affecting the prognosis of mouth cancer
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and a weakened immune system can negatively impact prognosis. Access to quality medical care and treatment options can play a significant role in overall survival rates.
Lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of oral cancer
Making a few simple lifestyle changes like eating more fruits, and green vegetables. Ensure you maintain oral hygiene and do not use too many chemicals. You should also avoid smoking, sugary drinks and processed food altogether.
Oral cancer is a serious matter that requires attention and early detection. It’s important to always be mindful of the symptoms. By taking good care of our oral health we can greatly reduce our risks for this disease. You can research more about the preventive steps for oral cancer before things get worse!
