Oral cancer is a form of cancer that has become much more common in the UK. In the last decade alone, the number of cases has risen by around a third. The trouble with mouth cancer is that many people are unaware of the symptoms, and this means that the majority of cases are diagnosed when cancer has become advanced and it is harder to treat. At Harley Street Dental Studio, we are always keen to promote preventative practices and we strongly encourage all our patients to attend regular routine check-ups. Our dentists are trained to spot early warning signs of oral cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer

It’s so beneficial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of deadly diseases like oral cancer. The chances of successful treatment are up to 90 percent higher when cancer is caught at an early stage and being aware of symptoms could make all the difference. Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Slow-healing mouth ulcers and sores (see your dentist if you have had an ulcer for more than 2 weeks)
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Lumps or swelling in the mouth or throat
• A persistent sore throat
• Unexplained oral pain
• Difficulty swallowing

If you have any of these symptoms, there’s every chance that there’s nothing to worry about, but it’s always best to be on the safe side and see your doctor or dentist. If there is a chance that the symptoms could be linked to oral cancer, further tests can be carried out to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.

What causes oral cancer?

In most cases of cancer, the exact cause is unknown, but certain risk factors have been identified for oral cancer. These include smoking, drinking alcohol on a regular basis, exposure to the human papilloma virus (HPV) and a poor diet lacking in nutrients.

If you’re worried about oral cancer or you’d like to learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch.