Oral cancer occurs when a lump develops in one part of the mouth. It may be on the surface of the tongue, inside the cheeks or roof of the mouth, or on the lips or gums.

The NHS explained that early detection can boost your chance of survival from 50% to 90%, and if you have persistent numbness in your lips, it could be an indication of disease.

Healthline said: "Cancers of the mouth and throat can lead to a number of symptoms, including numbness in the mouth. The feeling of numbness may be all over the mouth and lips area, or in patchy areas. This occurs when cancer cells cause nerve damage or "Blood vessels in the mouth. Examine your mouth carefully once a month for any signs of anomaly. Use a magnifying mirror under a bright light to get a clear vision."

Other symptoms of oral cancer to look out for include:

-Pain or irritation in the tongue or mouth.

-Red or white spots appearing in the mouth or on the lips.

-Thick spots appearing on the tongue and inside the mouth.

-Inflammation in the jaw.

-Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Smoking and other forms of tobacco use are associated with most cases of oral cancer, with excessive alcohol use also, which increases the risk of oral cancer.

It is not known what causes all types of oral or pharyngeal cancers, but some factors can increase your risk.

Cancer Research UK says: "There is some evidence that people who are exposed to second-hand smoke (secondhand smoke) at home or in the workplace may have a slightly increased risk of developing oral and pharyngeal cancer.

Research has also shown that around 30 out of 100 (30%) oral and

Pharyngeal cancers are caused by drinking alcohol.

The Oral Cancer Foundation advises everyone to have a monthly self-examination for two minutes, to identify any alarming signs of the disease. This should allow early diagnosis, faster treatment and a greater chance of survival.

Self-examination includes feeling the face, neck, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, open mouth floor and ceiling area.

During the examination, one should look for any red or white lumps or spots, changes in color or texture, persistent sores, or anything unusual.

Source: RT

 by: Castlejournal