Oral Cancer Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
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It is important to know when medical attention is necessary and when it can wait, in times when frequent hospital visits should be avoided. Oral cancer is a serious health issue that needs prompt treatment. Dr. Deepak Sarin, a head and neck surgeon at Medanta Gurugram, explains symptoms that could signal oral cancer and should never be ignored even if staying home feels like the safer choice.
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Dr. Sarin points out a number of symptoms that could suggest oral cancer:
Neck Lump: Finding a lump or swelling in your neck can often signal oral cancer. These lumps might be enlarged lymph nodes. They could be holding cancer cells that travelled from the original tumour. Any lump in your neck that does not go away should be checked by a doctor.
A Mouth Sore That Won't Heal: Mouth sores or ulcers lasting over two weeks without improvement might point to oral cancer. Normal mouth ulcers heal within one to two weeks. Cancer-related ones stick around and may get worse with time.
Trouble or Pain While Swallowing: Dysphagia, which means trouble swallowing, is another issue Dr. Sarin highlights. People might feel like food is stuck in their throat or chest, feel pain when they swallow, or even find they can't swallow at all. Ignoring this symptom isn't wise if it sticks around.
Bleeding in the Mouth Without a Clear Cause: Gum or mouth bleeding that happens without a clear reason, like an injury or rough brushing, could point to oral cancer. Taking this is important if it keeps happening.
Dentures That Don’t Fit Well: People who use dentures might notice that a sudden shift in their fit could mean tissue changes linked to oral cancer. When dentures that used to sit start feeling loose or uncomfortable for no clear reason, it’s necessary to find out what’s going on.
Why Spotting It Early Matters
Dr. Sarin points out that these signs "in some situations" might suggest that you have mouth cancer. Go and get yourself checked by a doctor rather than guessing on your own. Catching oral cancer plays a big role in improving treatment success and chances of survival.
Talking to a Doctor When Times Are Tough
Dr. Sarin understands the challenge people face when choosing between avoiding serious symptoms and the risks of going to the hospital. He suggests using telemedicine as a helpful option. His team offers care through a telemedicine portal making it easier to address concerns about possible oral cancer without travelling to a hospital.
Conclusion
Recognising oral cancer symptoms helps with quick treatment. If you notice any symptoms mentioned by Dr. Sarin, seek medical help. Telemedicine makes it possible to get expert advice without needing to visit a hospital offering a safe way to manage your health.
FAQs
What signs of oral cancer should I look out for?
Look for a neck lump, a sore in your mouth that doesn’t heal, trouble or pain while swallowing, bleeding in your mouth without a reason or dentures that stop fitting right.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor about a sore in my mouth?
Most harmless mouth sores heal in about two weeks. If it sticks around longer, it’s a good idea to check with a doctor.
Does finding a lump in the neck mean it’s oral cancer?
No, a lump in your neck isn’t always caused by cancer. If you have Infections or other harmless medical conditions, they can also cause swelling in your neck.
Is bleeding in the mouth always a sign of something serious?
Not always. If you brush your teeth too hard or you get small injuries, you can have bleeding. But if you have bleeding for long and it is without any clear reason, you should visit a doctor.
How is oral cancer diagnosed?
Spotting symptoms might be the first step. A doctor would then examine the person's mouth, lips and throat. They may also do biopsies or imaging tests to find out more.
