November is Mouth Cancer Action Month. According to the Oral Health Foundation, over 8,500 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2021. When compared to 2011 figures, this is a rise of 34%. Sadly over 3,000 people died from mouth cancer in 2021.
What are the signs of mouth cancer?
According to the NHS, the most common symptoms are:
- Sore mouth ulcers that don’t heal within a couple of weeks
- Unexplained, persistent lumps in the mouth that do not go away
- Unexplained, persistent lumps in the lymph glands in the neck that do not go away
Other symptoms may include:
- Changes in your voice or difficulties speaking
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- One or more teeth may become loose for no obvious reason, or following removal of a tooth, there may be failure of the tooth socket to heal
- Difficulty moving your jaw
- Red or white patches on the lining of your mouth. They are common and are rarely a sign of cancer, but they can sometimes turn into cancer.
Just because you may have some of the symptoms does not automatically mean that you have mouth cancer. There can be other less serious conditions behind the symptoms, like an infection. However, if symptoms persist beyond three weeks then you should see your GP.
If you live in the Warrington area and do have any concerns, then on Wednesday 23 November 2022, the Maxillofacial and Orthodontics department, based in the Appleton Wing at Warrington Hospital are offering a drop-in service to check people’s mouths for any signs of mouth cancer. There will be free parking for those attending and no appointments are required.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence of a medical or health professional , including misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis, then we may be able to help you pursue a claim for compensation. Our leading team of experts are on hand to offer advice, so please get in touch with us on 0161 696 6165 or complete our online enquiry form and we will contact you directly.
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