Dentures and Dentist

Common Symptoms of Mouth Cancer You Need to Know About

24 February 2016

Julian Andrews

Mouth cancer, somethings referred to as oral cancer, can develop if the cells on your lips or inside your mouth mutate; such mutations allow cancer cells to grow and divide, eventually accumulating into a tumour. This often occurs on the lips, though it can also happen on the soft tissue of the mouth, salivary glands, oesophagus, or tonsils.

It has been predicted that 60% of people with oral cancer will survive for 5 years or more, but diagnosing the problem at an early stage can dramatically increase your chances of survival. If the following symptoms present themselves, contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Persistent Ulcers

Ulcers are broken areas of skin that are usually round or oval in appearance; they most commonly occur on the lips or inside the cheek. People often develop ulcers, and they're usually nothing to worry about, but an ulcer that refuses to heal is one of the most common symptoms of mouth cancer. They will not always be painful; in fact, you may experience a sense of numbness. If the ulcer does not heal like a normal one, contact a dentist.

Persistent Pain

Though some patients will experience a degree of numbness within the mouth at the onset of mouth cancer, others will find themselves coping with a significant level of pain. This will not normally be centred around a single tooth, so it should be easy to distinguish from regular toothache, and the pain will usually be persistent.

Abnormal Coloration

Before cancers actually form, abnormal looking patches of skin can sometimes be seen within the mouth. These patches will be either red or white depending on the type of cells that have become precancerous. If left untreated, they can lead to cancer, so make sure you report them to a dentist. They will often be caused by nothing more than a fungal infection, but it's well worth having them checked if anti-fungal treatment has no effect.

Speech and Eating Problems

Oral cancer can cause a number of eating difficulties. You may feel a burning sensation when you chew or swallow, or feel as if food is sticking in your throat. It is also possible for cancer in the mouth or throat to affect your voice, sometimes making it quieter or huskier than normal. You may even begin to slur your words.

A medical professional will be able to investigate the causes of these symptoms, and they will usually be caused by an issue less serious than mouth cancer. If you find yourself with any of the symptoms listed above, book a dental appointment as soon as possible.

www.daisyhilldental.com.au
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