Mouth cancer: signs you must not ignore

Mouth cancer in the UK is no longer rare. The latest figures show more than 11,000 new cases a year, double compared to a generation ago.

For men, it is now ranked among the top ten most common cancers in the UK. But perhaps most alarming: over half of all mouth cancers are diagnosed at stage III or IV, when treatment is much more difficult.

November marks Mouth Cancer Action Month, and health experts are calling for greater awareness and more frequent self-checking in a bid to improve early diagnosis.

Why early detection matters

The difference in outcomes between early and late detection is huge. According to the Oral Health Foundation, survival rates can improve dramatically when the diagnosis is prompt.

Chief executive of the charity, Dr Nigel Carter, says:

The warning signs – what to look for

Here are the most common signs of mouth cancer that you should not ignore – and why each one should ring alarm bells.

• A mouth ulcer lasting more than three weeks

Most mouth ulcers heal within a few weeks, but one that doesn’t is a major red flag. Dr Carter warns: “A non-healing ulcer is one of the biggest indicators of potential mouth cancer and must not be dismissed as just a bite or stress-induced sore.”

• Red or white patches in the mouth

Look inside your cheeks, gums, tongue and roof of the mouth. Mahesh Kumar, President of the Mouth Cancer Foundation and Maxillofacial Surgeon, says: “Unusual red or white patches are often overlooked, yet they are among the most common early signs of the disease.”

• Lumps, swellings or thickened tissue in or around the mouth, jaw or neck

These may occur even without pain. Dr Carter adds: “Patients often tell us they noticed a painless lump and assumed it was harmless – but painless does not mean safe when it comes to mouth cancer.”

• Persistent hoarseness of voice

A croaky or hoarse voice that lasts for weeks may not seem connected to your mouth, but it can be a warning sign. Mr Kumar explains: “People rarely associate hoarseness with mouth cancer and this lack of awareness contributes to late diagnosis.”

• Numbness or tingling of the lip, tongue or around the mouth

Changes in sensation should never be ignored. Dr Carter advises: “Tingling or numbness is your body signalling something is wrong – get it checked.”

What you should do

Perform a quick monthly self-check of your mouth (tongue, cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth).
If any unusual changes persist longer than three weeks, book a dental or GP appointment immediately.
Remind yourself that routine dental visits are not just for decay or gum disease: your dentist can also spot early signs of mouth cancer.
Bottom line

Mouth cancer is becoming significantly more common – but many of the deaths are avoidable.

By staying alert to the subtle signs and acting quickly, you can hugely improve your chance of beating the disease.

Don’t wait to see if it goes away. Get checked, and act early. For more information on mouth cancer, visit www.mouthcancer.org.