Mouth cancer (also known as oral cancer) can affect any area of the mouth - the lips, gums, tongue, lower part of the mouth under the tongue, palate, inner surface of the cheeks, and beyond the wisdom teeth. Cancer can be recognized by examining the mouth and surrounding areas for specific signs and symptoms. Read on to learn more.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examining the Mouth for Some Cancer Symptoms
Step 1. Look for ulcers and sores on the lips, tongue, cheeks and palate
Ulcers are very common and alone are not a sure sign of mouth cancer. However, when they are associated with other symptoms and their evolution follows a specific pattern, they could indicate the presence of a tumor.
- Check for ulcers that do not heal within two or three weeks.
- Check for ulcers that repeatedly show up in the same areas of the mouth.
- Look for ulcers with uneven edges that bleed to the touch.
Step 2. Check for any color changes inside the mouth
Note these changes on the surface or sides of the tongue and lips or inside the cheeks, which last for more than two weeks.
- These changes could be red, white, gray, or dark spots.
- You may also notice white and red soft areas inside the mouth.
Step 3. Also identify any sensations of numbness or pain in any point of the oral cavity
The feeling of numbness can also affect the mouth, face and neck.
- You may also feel persistent pain / numbness in a particular area of the mouth.
- If you experience any of these two symptoms, whether or not they are associated with swelling and lumps, then you should see your doctor right away.
Step 4. Also check for any rough patches and scabs in the mouth and on the lips
The scabs may be rough to the touch, have uneven edges, and bleed without being pricked.
Step 5. Check the teeth for any changes in their alignment
Falling teeth could also indicate the presence of oral cancer.
A good way to check the alignment of the teeth is to put on dentures (if you use them). If you have difficulty inserting it, it means that the teeth have moved
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Other Symptoms
Step 1. Check for lumps or swelling on the sides of the face and neck
- Gently feel the sides of the neck for pain, tenderness, or lumps. Examine the epidermis to rule out the presence of swelling or abnormal moles.
- Pull out your lower lip using your thumb and forefinger and check for moles and swellings. Do the same for the upper lip.
- Insert the index finger inside the cheeks and the thumb outside, checking if you feel pain, changes in texture, or swelling, by gently squeezing the skin with your fingers.
Step 2. Assess if you have difficulty eating or speaking
These complications (associated with other symptoms) could indicate mouth cancer. More specific symptoms include:
- Inability to swallow solids or liquids or pain when swallowing;
- Lack of sense of taste while eating
- Feeling of having something in the throat while swallowing;
- Difficulty moving the tongue and jaw due to stiffening of the area.
Step 3. Notice the voice changes
Mouth cancer could put pressure on the vocal cords, resulting in a change in the tone of the voice.
- The voice usually becomes more hoarse.
- You may also experience a sore throat while talking, eating, or even while resting.
Step 4. Check for pain in your ears or if the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen
- The lymph nodes will be swollen and painful to the touch. This is because mouth cancer interferes with the regular drainage of the mouth.
- You may also experience ear pain, as the tumor presses against your ears. This indicates that the cancer has spread and is at a more advanced level.
Step 5. Monitor your weight and loss of appetite
Since cancer often causes pain when eating or swallowing, you may have difficulty eating according to your habits. Reduced food intake can cause weight loss.
In addition to this, the disease could cause loss of appetite, which contributes to further weight loss
Part 3 of 3: Carry out the self-examination
Step 1. Use a small mirror to inspect the inside of the mouth
It may be difficult to get a full picture of your mouth with a wall mirror, so use a handbag mirror - preferably one that fits into your mouth.
Step 2. Perform the self-examination in a well-lit room
Light is also important, so perform the self-examination in a well-lit room, next to a bright lamp.
You could also use a pocket flashlight to illuminate the inside of the mouth
Step 3. Make sure your hands are clean before carrying out the self-examination
Wash your hands with an antibacterial cleanser and dry them carefully to avoid introducing dirt or bacteria into your mouth.
Step 4. If you suspect that you have oral cancer, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor
If you spot any of the above signs and symptoms, it is important that you go to the doctor or dentist as soon as possible for an examination to check for cancer.
As with all types of cancer, early detection is essential for therapy to be effective
Step 5. Take preventative measures to avoid mouth cancer
If you want to prevent oral cancer from forming, there are a number of precautions you can take:
- Avoid smoking;
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol;
- Protect lips during sun exposure by applying a stick with a high protection factor;
- Go to the dentist for a checkup every six months.
