A dentist has highlighted potential warning signs of oral cancer that people may overlook, including symptoms that could appear without even opening the mouth. Oral cancer, sometimes referred to as mouth cancer, may affect areas including the tongue, gums, cheeks and lips.
According to the Oral Health Foundation, in its State of Mouth Cancer UK report for 2024, there were 10,825 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed in the UK – up 38% in a decade and 133% compared with 20 years ago. In the same year 3,637 died as a result of the disease. The 10-year survival rate is between 18-57% depending on where the cancer is and how early it is diagnosed.
Now Dr Deepa Chopra, a dentist at Whites Dental, is setting out what symptoms to watch for – and not all might be as expected. She said: 'Some symptoms may develop gradually and can be mistaken for minor issues. Persistent changes that do not resolve within a few weeks may benefit from professional assessment.'
Dr Deepa explained that while there are some signs that appear inside the mouth, such as ulcers that do not heal, unexplained bleeding, red or red and white patches, unusual lumps, or loose teeth, not all warning signs are located directly inside the mouth. She said: 'A long-lasting sore throat, difficulty swallowing, discomfort when chewing, or persistent ear pain could sometimes be associated with changes in the oral or surrounding tissues. Numbness in the lip or jaw area may also warrant further investigation.'
She added that speech changes could occasionally be a sign of concern. 'If someone notices ongoing hoarseness, slurred speech or a change in their voice that does not improve, it may be advisable to seek medical or dental advice,' she said. Dr Deepa stressed that many of these symptoms may be linked to far more common and less serious conditions, but advised: 'Regular dental examinations may help identify changes early, sometimes before a patient is aware of them.'
