Symptoms of oral cancer can resemble those of other diseases. Six of them must arouse particular vigilance.
- In France, 11,300 new cases of “lip-mouth-pharynx” cancer are diagnosed each year.
- In non-drinkers and non-smokers, HPV viruses are the main risk factor.
70% of oral cancers are diagnosed too late, according to theNational Cancer Institute. Early detection of cancer improves the chances of recovery. But the symptoms of this disease can be confused with those of other pathologies, often less serious. However, it is important to remain vigilant, if you spot one of the following six symptoms, it is necessary to speak to a health professional.
What is oral cancer?
The concept of oral cancer brings together different types of cancer. According to’National Cancer Instituteit concerns all cancers that affect “the floor of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, palate, cheeks, gums and lips”.
Difficulty sticking out the tongue, one of the symptoms of oral cancer
Karen Coates, a member of the Oral Health Foundation, a British oral health charity, tells the DailyMail that not being able to stick out your tongue can be a symptom of oral cancer because “if the cancerous lumps are on or near the tongue, it can restrict movement“. Difficulties sticking out the tongue would be more frequent in the case of cancer of the palate, lips or tongue.
The voice changes with oral cancer
If you start to stutter or your voice becomes more hoarse, it could be a sign of oral cancer. Indeed, according to thebritish institute for cancer research, the disease can affect the voice. “It may become weaker, more serious, or quiet, sounding like you have a cold all the time.”, details the organization. When the voice becomes hoarse, it may be related to a tumor in the hypopharynx, located in the back of the throat. The disease can also lead to difficulties in articulation, where certain words are chewed up, or in pronunciation, when certain sounds are impossible to make.
The ears, affected by the symptoms of a tumor
A tumor related to the mouth can generate symptoms in the ears. It depends “where the tumor is, as it can affect the nerves“, specifies Karen Coates. If the tumor is large, it is more likely to cause this type of pain, because it has a greater impact on the mouth. “Tumors can affect the bones, tissues, organs and glands around them“, details the specialist.
Oral cancer: loose teeth, a warning sign
If some of your teeth come off or move, without explanation, then you should consult quickly. This can be a sign of oral cancer, as it is accepted that the disease can lead to loosening of the teeth.
Buzzing, tinnitus: other warning signs
In rare cases, oral cancer can cause ringing in the ears. These are cases where the tumor is located near the jaw, ear or nose. Tinnitus is thought to be more common in cancer of the nasopharynx, which affects the part of the body that connects the back of the mouth and the nose.
Weight loss: what if it was cancer?
Several types of cancer result in unusual weight loss. The British Institute for Cancer Research states that in the case of oral cancer, it can be difficult to eat properly, which can reduce appetite and therefore lead to weight loss.
How to reduce the risk of oral cancer?
Some people are more likely to be affected by one of the symptoms mentioned above. “Increased vigilance is advised for smokers and regular consumers of alcohol, alert the National Cancer Institute. Indeed, the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other substances (betel quid, etc.) promotes the appearance of oral cancer..” According to the Leon Berard Cancer Center, 90% of oral cancer patients are smokers. The more tobacco smoked and the longer the smoking lasts, the greater the risk. As for alcohol users, their risk is six times higher compared to non-drinkers.
