An oncologist has cautioned that a common symptom—persistent mouth ulcers—can be mistaken for stress or tiredness and may be an early sign of mouth cancer. Dr. Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, emphasized that while most mouth ulcers are harmless and heal within one to two weeks, any ulcer lasting three weeks or longer should be investigated.
Why Mouth Ulcers Are Often Overlooked
Mouth ulcers are extremely common and often appear when a person is feeling run down, stressed, or after consuming spicy or hard foods. They can also result from ill-fitting braces, dentures, or accidental injury. Dr. Kubes noted: “Mouth ulcers are really common and rarely a sign of anything serious. But because they are so common they can easily be overlooked.” He urged people to pay attention to any changes inside the mouth, including on the tongue, cheeks, and lips.
Key Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
According to Dr. Kubes, persistent ulcers that do not heal within three weeks, as well as white or red patches in the mouth, should be checked by a general practitioner or dentist. Other symptoms of mouth cancer include unusual lumps or bumps in the mouth or neck that persist, unexplained mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, a hoarse voice, or persistent bad breath. He advised: “Ideally you want the inside of your mouth to look pink and healthy. Pay attention to any changes anywhere in your mouth including all around your tongue, and any lumps or discolouration on the inside of both your top and bottom lip.”
NHS Guidance on Mouth Cancer
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) also lists persistent mouth ulcers lasting three weeks or more as a potential sign of mouth cancer. The NHS states: “Symptoms of mouth cancer can affect any part of your mouth, including the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or lips.” Additional symptoms include a red or white patch inside the mouth, a lump on the lip or inside the mouth, pain, difficulty swallowing, a hoarse voice, a lump in the neck, or unintentional weight loss. The NHS emphasizes that these symptoms are common and often caused by other conditions, but early detection of cancer can make it easier to treat.
Treatment Options
Treatment for mouth cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Dr. Kubes concluded: “If anything looks unusual or causes you concern then speak with your doctor. It might not be anything serious, but it’s always worth making sure.”
