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Oral cancer usually manifests itself as sores on the inside of your mouth, which resemble mouth ulcers but don’t disappear after a couple of weeks. Oral cancers, which include all cancers in the oral cavity, including lips, tongue and throat can be life-threatening if not caught early so keeping up regular appointments with your dentist, or having any suspicious sores examined as soon as possible is highly recommended.
Certain factors mean that people are at a greater risk of contracting oral cancer. Men are twice as likely to suffer as women, especially men over the age of 50. People who drink or smoke excessively are at particular risk, with smokers being a massive 660 times more likely to suffer from oral cancer than non-smokers. However, it is important not to be complacent about oral cancer as it can effect people who neither smoke nor drink at all.
The sores associated with oral cancer usually appear as white or red patches in the lining of the mouth. It is also common for there to be unexplained bleeding of the lining of the mouth and even the gums. The sores will make it very difficult to carry out everyday activities like eating, drinking or talking without suffering pain. There are other signs that you may be suffering with oral cancer like a sudden or unexplained weight loss.
There are of course more symptoms, many of which can be very subtle so it is always wise to consult a dentist if you have any suspicious sores. A Central London dentist will be able to carry out a brush biopsy, a painless swab for testing, as part of a regular check up. They are also well trained in the signs and symptoms of oral cancer so they can be your first line of defence. Early detection of oral cancer can give you a greater than 80 per cent chance of survival.