Warning signs of mouth cancer

It is important to know the warning signs of mouth cancer. Knowing the signs and checking your mouth regularly for changes can help you to find problems with your mouth before they become a lot worse.

Early detection of mouth cancer saves lives

It is important for doctors to find and treat mouth cancers at an early stage. Early treatment is simpler and many more people can be successfully treated.

Early treatment is also much less likely to cause problems with a patient’s appearance, speaking and eating.

The early warning signs of mouth cancer can be easily seen inside the mouth. Dentists are trained to check peoples’ mouths for cancer. You should see your dentist every six months for a check-up even if you aren’t having any problems.

You can check your own mouth for early signs of mouth cancer. Never ignore lasting changes in your mouth. You probably won’t have mouth cancer but it’s best to get any of the signs listed below checked out.

What are the warning signs of mouth cancer?

Look out for the following changes in your mouth. They may not be painful but even so, you should still see your doctor or dentist if they last longer than three weeks.

The most common signs of mouth cancer are:

• an ulcer or sore in your mouth
• an ulcer or sore on your tongue
• a red patch in your mouth
• a white patch in your mouth
• an unexplained pain in your mouth or ear

Other signs to look out for are:

• an unexplained lump in your neck
• a sore or painful throat
• a croaky voice or difficulty swallowing

Where should I go for advice?

If you notice any worrying changes to your mouth lasting more than three weeks then visit your doctor or dentist without delay.

Regularly visiting a dentist will help to keep your mouth healthy. Dentists check for early warning signs of mouth cancer and can spot things you may not be able to see. It’s best to go every six months.

Your pharmacist can give you advice on oral health and giving up smoking. But remember that if you have a mouth problem that lasts for longer than three weeks see your doctor. Treating ongoing changes with mouthwash or soothing gels will not solve the problem.