3 warning signs of oral cancer that can be self-checked at home

Oral cancer occurs mainly in people aged 60 and over. Cancerous tumors often appear on the tongue, gums, base of the tongue and the throat area at the back of the mouth, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

3 dấu hiệu cảnh báo ung thư miệng có thể tự kiểm tra tại nhà - Ảnh 1. — Persistent difficulty swallowing without a known cause can be a warning sign of oral cancer.

Because early detection will make treatment much easier, patients need to pay attention to unusual signs in the mouth area. If the following symptoms appear, patients need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lumps, ulcers, swelling in the mouth

If you check or accidentally discover a mouth ulcer that lasts for several weeks, a persistent lump, or an unexplained swelling on your tongue, you should see a doctor immediately.

Also, any sores or bright red or white patches in the mouth should be checked. These may be fine ulcers, also known as erythroplakia, and are a sign of precancer. Studies show that more than 80% of fine ulcers will turn out to be cancerous when biopsied.

Sore throat and difficulty swallowing

If you have difficulty swallowing for a long time, it could be a sign of oral cancer. Also, anyone with a chronic sore throat or hoarseness that lasts more than 6 weeks should be checked for oral cancer.

Numb

Mouth cancer ulcers are rarely painful in their early stages. However, as they progress, they can become painful, even painful enough to make swallowing difficult. Another accompanying sensation is numbness.

Cancer can damage the nerves inside the mouth. These nerves are responsible for receiving sensations. If they are damaged, a person may experience numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or face, according to Medical News Today.

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