Mouth Cancer: How To Spot The Signs

9th Nov 2018

Mouth Cancer: How To Spot The Signs

Spotting the signs of mouth cancer early can make a life-saving difference. When detected at an early stage, the chances of survival increase to nine out of ten. That’s why recognising the warning signs is so important. We want to ensure our patients know what to look out for, helping them stay safe, informed, and proactive about their health.

How To Check for Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer is crafty and can manifest in several different tissues in your mouth. These could include your lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks. It’s extremely important to learn the signs of mouth cancer and check your mouth monthly. There are three signs that, if they appear in any of these areas of your mouth, you should seek a professional opinion from your dentist or doctor. Be aware of mouth ulcers that don’t heal after three weeks, red and white patches in your mouth, and lumps and swellings.

Signs Of Mouth Cancer To Look Out For

Head and neck: Check if both sides of your neck look the same and search for any lumps, bumps, or swellings that appear on one side but not the other. Feel and press along the sides and front of your neck and note any tenderness or lumps.

Lips: Pull down your lower lip and look at the tissue for any sores or changes in colour. Note that these may appear as stubborn mouth ulcers, so keep an eye on how long these ulcers last before healing. Use a thumb and finger to feel the lip for any unusual lumps or changes in texture. You should do those tests on both your upper and lower lips.

Cheeks: In front of a mirror or with the help of your dentist, pull your cheek aside so that you can see the inside tissue. Check for red, white, or dark patches that you haven’t noticed before. Then, place a finger on the inside of the cheek and your thumb on the outside so that if you press down, you can feel a pinch. Gently squeeze and roll the cheek to check for any lumps, take note of any tenderness or ulcers, and do this to both cheeks.

The roof of your mouth: You will need a dentist’s assistance when checking the roof of your mouth properly. Tilt your head back and open your mouth wide so your dentist can check the roof for any lumps or discolouration.

Tongue: Stick your tongue out and move it from one side to another, checking for any swelling, discolouration, or lumps on either side of it. Check the surface for any changes in colour or texture, and then take a look at the underside by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

Floor of the mouth: Finally, we need to check the floor of your mouth. Press your finger along the floor of your mouth and the underside of your tongue to feel for swelling, lumps, and ulcers. As always, check for any discolouration too.

Who Is At Risk Of Mouth Cancer?

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in one way or another, so we must stay vigilant when checking ourselves. Although mouth cancer can affect anybody, around 91% of all diagnoses are linked to lifestyle. This means that you can amend your lifestyle choices to help protect yourself from developing partially preventable mouth cancer. Understanding the signs of mouth cancer is just as important as knowing the risk factors, which include tobacco, alcohol, HPV, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol consumption.

Mouth cancer has a high survival rate when caught early — but early detection is essential. By regularly checking our mouths and necks for any unusual changes or warning signs, we can all take a simple yet powerful step toward protecting our health and staying safe.