Oral or mouth cancer is the most common form of head and neck cancer which typically affects people aged 60 years and older
Strange lumps in your body, unintentional weight loss, to changes in skin are all the red flags you may be told to notice when looking for signs of cancer. However, some of the early symptoms of some cancers, like oral cancer, are extremely hard to spot, since they are not just subtle in nature but also can be easily mistaken for other conditions.
And so, here’s when the dentists come in. They can help you spot early signs of oral cancer, even without opening your mouth. Oral or mouth cancer is the most common form of head and neck cancer, which typically affects people aged 60 years and older. Oral cancer affects your lips and the first parts of your tongue, mouth roof, and floor. It also affects your oropharynx—the last part of your tongue and roof of your mouth, your tonsils, and the sides and back of your throat.
Early signs of oral cancer
Here is a breakdown of what to look for to spot oral cancer
Checking lips and cheeks for swellings
According to experts, it is important to pay close attention to any kinds of bumps, swellings, lumps, or even unusual formations on your lips or inside the cheeks. Also, note that any areas—if they feel different than usual, such as rough, hard, or crusty patches on your lips or gums.
Doctors would also check for sores on your lips that bleed easily and do not heal within 10–15 days.
Checking your neck
Make sure to run your fingers under your jaw and feel along the large muscle on either side of the neck using the balls of your fingers. If you find them swollen, it is time to get a thorough checkup done.
Also, check for any lumps or masses in your neck or back of the throat.
Earache
If you have been feeling a constant earache that doesn’t go away, it could also be a sign of oral cancer.
Chronic bad breath
Any sign of bad breath that does not improve, even after brushing your teeth, could be something more sinister and needs evaluation.
Difficulty chewing
If you have noticed an issue with chewing or swallowing food and pain or discomfort while speaking, moving your jaw or tongue—it could be a sign of oral cancer.
What causes oral cancer?
Doctors say oral cancer starts in the squamous cells in your oral cavity, which are flat and, when viewed under a microscope, look like a fish scale.
Normal squamous cells become cancerous when their DNA changes and cells begin growing and multiplying. Over time, these cancerous cells spread to other areas—inside of your mouth and then to other areas of your head and neck or other areas of your body. Studies say around 75 per cent of people who develop oral cancer have the following habits:
Smoking
Use smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, or water pipes.
Regularly drinking alcohol
Spending a lot of time in the sun without protecting their lips with sunblock
Have human papillomavirus
The virus can spread to any part of your body
Hereditary
If any of your immediate family members have had a history of oral cancer, you must get yourself checked.
It is also important to know that 25 per cent of people who develop oral cancer do not smoke or have other known risk factors.
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