Cancer symptom: The condition in the mouth that can last for weeks; signs to note

We often overlook our oral health. However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a key indicator of overall health, well-being and quality of life. Oral diseases are among the most common noncommunicable illnesses worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people, says the global health body. This is why practicing oral hygiene is crucial. As per several health experts, certain changes in the mouth can even indicate something as serious as cancer.

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Leukoplakia refers to the thick, white patches that appear in the mouth. It can affect different areas in the mouth such as the gums, the insides of your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and, sometimes, tongue. According to the Mayo Clinic, these patches cannot be scraped off.

In conversation with Express.co.uk, Doctor Nilesh Parmar says that leukoplakia could be a symptom of oral cancer, also called mouth cancer.

“White lesions which persist in the mouth for longer than two weeks should always be investigated," he explained.

“These can be due to trauma such as the tongue rubbing up against a sharp tooth, or something more serious like oral cancer.

“This is much more common in smokers and alcoholics and if caught early can be removed and the patient treated successfully,” he adds.

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Common signs or characteristics of leukoplakia include:

- White, grayish patches that can't be scraped off

- Patches that are Irregular or flat-textured

- Thickened or hardened patches

- Red lesions

According to the UK National Health Services (NHS), leukoplakia or white patches in the mouth can be identified through certain features.

- Painless

- Irregular in shape

- Slightly raised

- Slightly red within the patch

- Cannot be wiped, rubbed or scraped.

The Mayo Clinic explains: "Most leukoplakia patches are noncancerous (benign), though some show early signs of cancer. Cancers on the bottom of the mouth can occur next to areas of leukoplakia. And white areas mixed in with red areas (speckled leukoplakia) may indicate the potential for cancer."

That said, the health body recommends consulting a dentist or a doctor to examine the changes in the mouth.

While the cause of leukoplakia is not clearly known, it is said to occur from chronic irritation from tobacco use.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, some of the common symptoms of oral cancer include:

- A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in the mouth, lip, or throat

- A white or red patch in the mouth

- A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat

- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking

- Difficulty moving jaw or tongue

- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly

- Numbness in your tongue or other areas of the mouth

- Ear pain