The number of oral cancer cases has increased at an alarming rate over the past decade, leading to a rise in awareness about the early warning signs of the disease. Oral cancers occur when cells grow uncontrollably within the oral cavity or salivary glands. The disease is closely linked to high-risk behaviors, such as alcohol consumption and smoking, which are believed to contribute to the rising incidence of the illness.
Oral cancer does not present noticeable signs in the early stages; however, there may be reasons to seek medical examination if any of the following complications occur. According to WebMD, the disease can take nearly two years to develop, primarily affecting individuals over the age of 55. Although the most common symptom is mouth sores that do not heal for weeks, not all manifestations are overt.
Cosmetic dentist and clinical director at SmileStraight, Sandeep Patel, stated, "One of the early symptoms of oral cancer often feels like something is lodged in your throat or a sensation of thickness in the throat. This may be subtle, but you might notice a change in how your throat feels when swallowing food." Difficulty swallowing can easily be dismissed as a symptom of a cold; however, in oral cancer, it is likely to worsen over time, while a sore throat from a viral infection is expected to resolve within days.
Sometimes, individuals also experience hoarseness, leading to a tendency to clear the throat. Vocal changes, such as hoarseness, are an indicator that something may be wrong. According to Dr. Patel, it may often be difficult to speak softly or you may find it challenging to speak loudly. When changes in voice occur, it tends to indicate that the tumor is pressing against a nerve in the chest known as the laryngeal nerve. When compressed, this nerve leads to paralysis of the nerves in the throat responsible for producing a hoarse voice.
A person's dental health can also be one of the warning signs of the disease. Dr. Patel noted, "Problems with teeth, such as loose or wobbly teeth without any dental complications, can often be an early sign of oral cancer. If you notice changes in your teeth, or looseness of teeth, as well as changes in your jaw and tongue, you should alert your dentist immediately." She added that these dental issues may be particularly noticeable while eating or speaking. However, there is a possibility that these signs may go unnoticed.
Typically, numbness anywhere in the body is sufficient to raise concern as it indicates that the nervous system may be compromised. In oral cancer, numbness tends to affect the tongue, which is a common complaint in the early stages of the disease. Patel explained, "Persistent and unexplained numbness or strange sensations on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth can indicate oral cancer." If symptoms occur elsewhere in the body, they may be more pronounced in the ears, causing hearing problems in some cases. "You may notice that your ears feel blocked, or you have hearing difficulties."
Ear pain also constitutes an early sign of oral cancer. You may find that you are experiencing more headaches than usual.
