Oral Cancer: 5 early symptoms that should not be ignored

Oral cancer, also referred to as mouth cancer, are malignant growths that develop in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, and the oropharynx (back of the throat). Early detection is a critical factor, because treatment success rates improve, when oral cancer is detected early. Early recognition of these essential symptoms helps people save their lives and leads to better treatment results.

One of the earliest indications of oral cancer appears as an ulcer or sore, which fails to heal for more than two to three weeks inside the mouth or on the lips. These long-lasting sores are different from your regular mouth sores, which result from injuries or infections, since they persist and tend to bleed easily. Any sore that persists for this duration needs to be looked at, because it may indicate serious health problems. A persistent mouth sore may signal abnormal tissue growth, which demands immediate medical assessment.

Precancerous growth inside the mouth may appear as white, red or combination white and red patches that develop on the gums, tongue and inner cheeks and roof of the mouth. The patches remain thick and rough and do not disappear, even after time passes. The initial stage of these patches usually does not produce any discomfort, which makes them relatively easy to ignore. These precancerous growths require immediate medical attention, because they signal abnormal growth, that can be treated immediately.

Oral cancer typically appears as a growth or tissue thickening located inside the mouth, on the lips, or in the neck and jaw areas. The lumps exhibit either painful or non-painful characteristics, and typically have a firm texture. The presence of discomfort or pain becomes noticeable, when performing activities such as chewing, swallowing or moving the jaw. Any unexplained lumps which persist for more than two weeks, require immediate healthcare evaluation to assess potential cancerous growths.

The advancement of oral cancer disrupts the typical operations of the mouth. The normal functions of chewing food and swallowing, become difficult, along with speaking clearly, and moving the tongue or jaw. You might also experience a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or a feeling that something is stuck in your throat. Medical evaluation becomes necessary, because this symptom indicates that the cancer has probably touched muscles or nerves.

The development of unexplained mouth or tongue pain, and surrounding numbness serves as a potential warning sign for oral cancer. Some patients notice ongoing ear pain that does not impair their hearing as well as jaw stiffness combined with swelling. These sensations indicate nerve involvement, which can be a sign of advanced disease. The appearance of these symptoms requires immediate medical evaluation.

The following habits and factors increase the probability of developing oral cancer:

Tobacco use (smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco)

Heavy alcohol consumption

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection

Excessive sun exposure, especially on the lips

Poor diet low in fruits and vegetables

Sources:

Health Writer Hub, "How to write effective subheadings for your health content," 2024

JMIR Publications, "How should headings be formatted?," 2022

Texas A&M University Libraries, "Headings and subheadings – Narrative Reviews for Medical Sciences," 2024

West Virginia University Health Sciences, "Headings and Subheadings Guide"

Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, "Submission guidelines

Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice