The Oral Cancer Symptoms You Should Know About

We are constantly told to check our breasts and look out for the early signs of breast cancer. We know what lifestyle choices can increase the risks of developing skin cancer and when to worry about a mole but have you thought about your oral health?

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, can have very subtle symptoms that could easily be mistaken for something else or ignored.

It affects around 6,800 people in the UK and accounts for 2 per cent of all cancers diagnosed. This probably explains why many people are not as clued up on the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

The NHS explains that mouth cancer usually occurs when a tumour develops in the lining of the mouth, surface of the tongue, insides of the cheeks or on the lips and gums.

November is mouth cancer awareness month so there is no better time to get clued up on your oral health than now.

There are different types of mouth cancer to look out for. The most common is Squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for nine out of every 10 cases.

Less common forms of oral cancer can develop from mutations in the salivary glands or abnormalities in the bone, cartilage, muscle or other body tissue.

The NHS also lists:

Oral malignant melanomas: The cancer starts in melanocytes, the cells that produce skin pigment; they appear as very dark, mottled swellings that often bleed Lymphomas: These grow from cells normally found in lymph glands, but can also develop in the mouth

Signs Of Mouth Cancer:

Given mouth cancer is much less well known, it is so important to know the signs of it. It can be as simple as getting an unexplained loose tooth checked out or a persistent ulcer.

• Sore mouth ulcers that don't heal within several weeks
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• Unexplained persistent lumps in the mouth and neck
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• Unexplained looseness in teeth or sockets that don't heal completely following extraction
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• Persistent numbness or an odd feeling on the lip or tongue
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• Sometimes, white or red patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue - these can be early signs of cancer, so they should also be investigated
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• Changes in speech, such as a lisp

According to Mouth Cancer Action 33 per cent of mouth cancer cases are connected to excessive alcohol intake.

Other mouth cancer causes include:

Smoking or using other forms of tobacco

Research indicates that those who drink and smoke at the same time are at a greater risk of developing mouth cancer. Alcohol and tobacco are the two leading causes of oral cancer in the UK.

A poor diet

The NHS states that a poor diet may increase the risks of mouth cancer. Having a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables is thought to reduce the risk.

Chewing betel nuts

Betel nuts are mildly addictive seeds from the betel palm tree. They are commonly used in south-east Asian communities and have a similar effect to coffee, working as a stimulant. However they also have a carcinogenic effect.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

The HPV virus is a group of common viruses, which can cause cervical cancer. All girls from the age of 12 get a free vaccine to prevent infection from HPV.

Regular trips to the dentist can ensure that signs of oral cancer are picked up early on. If you have any concerns it is best to bring them up at your next appointment and keep an eye on anything that doesn't look or feel quite right.