Mouth cancer is a type of head and neck cancer and is any cancerous tissue growth located in the oral cavity. These symptoms can lead to some life-threatening conditions if they are not treated properly at an early stage. It is advisable that if you encounter any of these symptoms, you should get yourself checked by a doctor. Mouth cancer can appear in any part of the mouth and it can be fatal. Find out more about how to spot it.
advertisement
#1 A Sore Throat
A sore throat is a painful, dry, or scratchy feeling in the throat. A pain in the throat that does not heal is the most common symptom. The person will develop soreness in the mouth and will feel like there is something stuck at the back of the throat. If you have this feeling for a long time, go to a doctor as soon as possible.
#2 Difficulty Moving Your Jaw
You may keep having pain or discomfort on the side of your face around your ears or jaw joints or difficulty in moving your jaw. Your jaw might feel sore after chewing a lot of gum or taffy. Some people may have no pain but still, experience jaw functionality difficulties. If you have trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving your tongue, it is advisable that you consult a doctor immediately.
advertisement
#3 Loose Teeth
As children, loose teeth meant that we would soon be richer, thanks to the tooth fairy. As adults, the tooth fairy is a thing of the past. Loose teeth are the result of chronic gum disease, gum recession, and bone loss. If there is a loose tooth or many teeth that have become loose for an unexplained reason, consult a doctor immediately.
#4 Bleeding Inside Your Mouth
Bleeding in the mouth is usually from your gums around your teeth. Bleeding in the tongue, the floor of the mouth, or the cheek can be dangerous if it is not stopped. Any random bleeding inside of your mouth can be a sign of mouth cancer which absolutely should not be ignored. If your mouth also feels numb, it is in your best interest to make an appointment with your doctor.
advertisement
#5 Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss occurs for a variety of reasons, ranging from unhealthy eating and poor nutrition to diseases and aging. Unexplained weight loss without trying may be a sign of an underlying medical disorder. Sudden or drastic fluctuations of weight can be symptoms of cancer as well. If you seem to notice an extreme weight difference in your body without any reason, consult a doctor.
advertisement
#6 Small Changes In Your Voice Or Speech Pattern
The presence of a tumor in the mouth, head, and neck region often changes speech.If you or someone close to you notices small, unexplained changes in the tone of your voice or speech pattern, you should get it checked out immediately.
advertisement
#7 Difficulty In Swallowing
Difficulty swallowing is also called dysphagia. It is usually a sign of a problem with your throat. But if you have trouble swallowing on a regular basis, you may have a more serious problem that needs treatment. One of the most common signs of mouth cancer is if the patient has a lot of difficulty in swallowing food or water or even saliva.
advertisement
#8 Lumps On Your Neck
The most common lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes. These can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, cancer, or other rare causes. Swollen salivary glands under the jaw may be caused by infection or cancer. Unexplained and stubborn lumps in your neck can also be one of the most major signs.
advertisement
#9 Lumps In The Mouth
In the early stages, mouth cancer rarely causes any pain. Canker sores or lumps are often painful, but they aren't malignant. This means that they don't become cancerous. Lumps usually heal within two weeks, so any sore. Unexplained and persistent lumps inside the mouth that lasts longer and cause a lot of discomfort and pain need a professional evaluation.
advertisement
#10 Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are normally small, painful lesions that develop in your mouth or at the base of your gums. Usually, a single mouth ulcer is due to damage caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or by sharp teeth, brushing or poorly fitting dentures. Mouth ulcers are common and should clear up on their own within a week or two. If you have sore mouth ulcers that don’t heal within several weeks, this is one of the more prominent signs of mouth cancer.
