Oral cancer can be a life-threatening disease that affects various parts of the mouth, including lips, tongue, gums, and the roof of the mouth. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma which often develops slowly over time.

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 54,000 people in the United States alone receive a diagnosis of oral cancer each year, and the illness claims around 10,000 lives annually.

While these statistics are alarming, early detection is crucial in successfully treating oral cancer. In this article, we will explore some of the early signs of oral cancer so that you can be aware of them and seek medical attention as needed.

1. Persistent Mouth Sores

One of the first signs of oral cancer is the presence of persistent mouth sores that don’t heal on their own. Such sores might last for several weeks or even months and can result in uncomfortable sensations in the mouth.

If you notice any unexplained mouth sores, it’s essential to consult a dental professional or otolaryngologist, especially if you have a history of oral cancer or are a smoker or heavy alcohol consumer.

2. Unusual White or Red Patches

Flat, hard, white or red patches on the inner lining of the mouth or tongue could be signs of oral cancer. These patches are referred to as leukoplakia and erythroplakia, respectively.

While these patches are non-cancerous, they can be cancerous or precancerous, so any persistent patches should be evaluated by a dental professional or otolaryngologist.

3. Swelling or Lumps in the Mouth

If you notice swelling, bumps, or lumps in your mouth or on your gums, it’s crucial to get them checked by a medical professional, as these could be early signs of oral cancer.

While a variety of factors can cause lumps in the mouth, such as injury or infection, persistent, inexplicable lumps should get evaluated by a dental or medical professional.

4. Pain or Difficulty Swallowing

When oral cancer develops in the back of the mouth, it can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. You may have trouble or feel pain while chewing, speaking, or swallowing, which may gradually worsen over time.

These symptoms might be due to other health conditions, so it’s essential to get checked by a medical professional if they persist over time.

5. Loose Teeth or Changes in Bite

Loose teeth or sudden changes in the way your top and bottom teeth align can also be early signs of oral cancer.

Cancerous growths in the mouth may cause shifts in the teeth’s position, and the affected teeth may become loose or painful..

6. Ear Pain

Although ear pain may be a sign of several other issues, it’s also one of the potential early signs of oral cancer. The pain might originate from the mouth or throat and radiate to the ears, which could be due to nerve involvement or referred pain.

If you have earaches, together with any other oral symptoms, it’s necessary to get checked by a medical professional.

7. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

Untreated cancer spreads in the mouth and throat region and may cause numbness or tingling sensations on the face, tongue, mouth, or neck. If these feelings persist for more than a few weeks, it’s essential to inform your doctor or dental specialist.

8. Hoarseness

If you experience persistent hoarseness or raspiness in your voice, it might be due to the growth of oral cancer. The cancer growths may affect the vocal cords, and this might lead to changes in voice quality.

When you experience such symptoms, it’s essential to contact your doctor or dental specialists to rule out any serious medical issues.

9. Unexplained Weight Loss

If you are losing weight fast, without any apparent reason, you might need to investigate further.

Sudden weight loss in the absence of lifestyle or diet changes, injury, or other medical concerns might indicate an underlying health problem, and oral cancer is one of them.

10. Bad Breath

Finally, having persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth, not due to oral hygiene or dietary choices, could be symptoms of advanced oral cancer.

However, halitosis or foul breath can result from other factors such as bacterial infection, dry mouth, or sinusitis.

Conclusion

The early signs of oral cancer are vital indicators of the need for medical attention. It’s essential to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist over time.

While some of the symptoms discussed above might indicate other issues and not necessarily cancerous, early detection of oral cancer increases the chances of positive outcomes after treatment.