There is a little-known symptom of mouth cancer that could be mistaken for a simple passing “pain”: here’s how to recognize it. Unfortunately, oral cancers are often not recognized unless the disease is already at an advanced stage, and this is because its symptoms tend to be underestimated. Early diagnosis of this serious disease – in Italy around 4,000 cases are diagnosed every year, more frequent in men than in women – directly involves dental health. If diagnosed late, people with oral cancer have a 50% survival rate. (Ilciriaco.it)
A British non-profit association that deals with oral health is putting the spotlight back on the importance of preventing mouth cancer. Speaking to the BBC, Nigel Carter – head of the Oral Health Foundation – said that “with NHS dentistry services in tatters, we fear that many people with mouth cancer will not receive a timely diagnosis”. How to fix it?
The “suspicious” signs of mouth cancer
People with oral cancer have a 50% survival rate if there are delays in diagnosis, but with early diagnosis the disease becomes much more treatable and the rate rises to around 90%. According to Dr Carter, therefore, undergoing “regular visits to the dentist is the key to identifying the initial stage of the pathology”. The problem is that some symptoms could easily be mistaken for tooth or jaw pain, or another type of “minor” dental problem, such as numbness in the mouth or tongue. A healthy diet that includes five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, regular exercise and little alcohol is the first weapon against mouth cancer. (Ilciriaco.it)
The fact is that in recent years there has been a significant increase in diagnoses of mouth cancer, which – let us remember – can be caused (also) by smoking and high levels of alcohol consumption, but also by chewing tobacco, paan (a preparation that combines betel leaves with areca nut and sometimes also with tobacco) and “certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.”
Higher levels of HPV infections from oral sex and alcohol abuse “have been linked to increases” in oral cancer diagnoses. Other symptoms include: a persistent ulcer, white or red spots inside the mouth, difficulty speaking or a voice that suddenly becomes croaky and hoarse, a lump in the mouth, on the lips, neck, or throat, difficulty swallowing and unintentional weight loss.
To reduce risks, it may first be useful to follow a healthy diet that includes five daily portions of fruit and vegetables, regular exercise and little alcohol. If the symptoms mentioned above persist for weeks or months, it is important to consult your doctor so that he can proceed with a possible diagnosis as soon as possible.