Oral cancer, a serious health condition, often presents subtly, making early detection crucial for effective treatment.
Mouth cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth (oral cavity).
According to Mayo Clinic, mouth cancer can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth (under the tongue).
Oral cancer can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or odynophagia (painful swallowing).
One of the most common early signs of oral cancer is a sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks.
Spontaneous bleeding in the mouth without any clear cause is another warning sign.
Look out for leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red patches) in the mouth.
Any unexplained lumps, swelling, or thickened areas in the mouth or throat should be examined.