When you visit us for a check-up, we look at more than your teeth and gums. We also examine your tongue, cheeks, lips, the roof and floor of your mouth, and your neck, checking for early signs of mouth cancer.
November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, so it’s a good time to talk about something many people don’t think about until it affects them. In the UK, around 8,000 to 9,000 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year, and the number has been rising. The encouraging part is that when it’s found early, treatment is far more likely to be simple and successful. Knowing what to look for, and acting quickly, can make a real difference.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer (also called oral cancer) can develop in any part of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, lips, inner cheeks, and the roof and floor of the mouth. It can also affect the back of the throat.
The signs and symptoms to look out for
Most of these changes turn out to be harmless. But if you notice any of them, don’t ignore them.
A mouth ulcer that won’t heal. This is the most common early sign. Most ulcers clear up within a week or two. One that lasts longer than three weeks needs to be checked.
Red or white patches. Unusual patches inside the mouth or on the tongue, especially ones that don’t wipe away or fade, should be looked at.
A lump or swelling. A new lump or thickening in your mouth, on your lip, or in your neck that doesn’t go away should be examined.
Ongoing pain or discomfort. Soreness in the mouth, tongue or throat that persists without an obvious cause is worth mentioning.
Difficulty swallowing, chewing or speaking. If it becomes harder to move your tongue or jaw, or you feel as though something is stuck in your throat, get it checked.
Numbness. Unexplained numbness in the tongue, lip or any part of the mouth should be assessed.
Other changes. Dentures that suddenly stop fitting well, a persistent hoarse voice, loose teeth with no obvious cause, or unexplained weight loss can also be signs.
The three-week rule
If any of these symptoms last more than three weeks, book an appointment with us or your GP. You don’t need to wait for your next check-up. Having a symptom doesn’t mean you have cancer, but only a professional examination can tell.
Who is at higher risk?
Anyone can develop mouth cancer, but the main risk factors are:
- Smoking or using any form of tobacco, including chewing tobacco and betel quid
- Drinking alcohol regularly, particularly alongside smoking, which raises the risk further
- HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, which is increasingly linked to cancers at the back of the mouth and throat
- A diet low in fruit and vegetables
- Age, as most cases are diagnosed in people over 50, though younger people are increasingly affected
How you can check yourself at home
A quick monthly self-check takes only a couple of minutes:
- Look at your face and neck in the mirror for any swelling or asymmetry.
- Gently feel along your neck and under your jaw for lumps.
- Pull down your lower lip and check the inside, then do the same with your upper lip.
- Check the insides of your cheeks.
- Stick out your tongue and examine the top, sides and underneath.
- Look at the roof and floor of your mouth.
If you notice anything unusual or new, make a note of it and book an appointment.
What happens if we spot something?
If we see anything that concerns us, we’ll explain what we’ve found and, where appropriate, refer you promptly to a specialist for further tests. A referral doesn’t mean you have cancer. It simply means we want to rule it out quickly or catch it as early as possible. In the UK, urgent suspected cancer referrals are usually seen within two weeks.
Don’t put it off
Regular dental check-ups are one of the best ways to catch mouth cancer early, often before you notice any symptoms yourself. If it’s been a while since your last visit, or you’ve noticed a change in your mouth, we’d be glad to see you.
To book an appointment, call us on 0114 272 9927 or email us at all@bealbyandjones.co.uk.
For more information check out the mouth cancer foundation: https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org/
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re worried about any symptoms, please contact your dentist or GP.
Written by
Ciara Dodd
Clinic admin — GDC -