A prominent cancer specialist has issued a vital health alert, urging the public to recognise a common but frequently overlooked symptom that could be an early indicator of mouth cancer.
Dr. Hisham Mehanna, a renowned professor of head and neck oncology, emphasises that a persistent mouth ulcer that fails to heal within three weeks is a red flag that demands immediate medical attention.
Why This Common Symptom Is So Dangerous
Many people dismiss mouth ulcers as a minor nuisance, often blaming them on stress, accidentally biting the cheek, or a sharp tooth. This normalisation, Professor Mehanna warns, is precisely what makes this symptom so dangerous. The crucial difference is persistence. While most common ulcers heal on their own, a cancerous one will not.
"If you have an ulcer that is not healing, a lump that is not going away, a white or red patch in your mouth, or you're having difficulty swallowing, or pain when you swallow... those are the signs that you need to be concerned about," the expert stated.
The Alarming Rise in Cases
This warning comes at a critical time. Over the last decade, the UK has witnessed a staggering 34% increase in the number of people diagnosed with oral cancer. This surge is attributed to a combination of lifestyle factors, with tobacco use and the human papillomavirus (HPV) being the two primary drivers of the disease.
Early detection is paramount. Professor Mehanna stresses that catching mouth cancer in its initial stages dramatically increases the success rate of treatment, which can be less invasive and more effective.
Key Symptoms You Must Watch For
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks.
- Unexplained lumps or swellings in the mouth, head, or neck area.
- Red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue.
- Persistent hoarseness or a sore throat that won't clear up.
- Pain or difficulty when swallowing (dysphagia).
If you experience any of these symptoms, the advice is clear and urgent: do not wait. Book an appointment with your GP or dentist without delay. It is far better to have a symptom checked and be given the all-clear than to ignore a potential warning sign.
