Smile Mouth cancer: early signs you should not ignore
Mouth cancer can start as a sore, lump or patch that does not go away. See a dentist or doctor if you have a mouth ulcer that lasts more than three weeks, or any unexplained lump or patch.
Signs to look for
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal within three weeks.
- A red or white patch in the mouth or on the tongue.
- A lump or thickening in the mouth, lip or neck.
- Unexplained loose teeth, or a socket that does not heal after an extraction.
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing, or a persistent sore throat or hoarse voice.
- Numbness in the mouth, lip or tongue.
Most of these have harmless causes, but any change that lasts should be checked.
What raises the risk
- Smoking and other tobacco use, including chewing tobacco.
- Heavy alcohol use, especially combined with smoking.
- Some types of HPV infection.
- Sun exposure for lip cancer.
What to do
Book a check with a dentist or doctor if you notice a change that lasts more than three weeks. Dentists check the mouth for these signs at regular check-ups. Early diagnosis improves the chance of successful treatment.
Yuktii Smile Scan can give a simple note on photos of a sore or spot on the lips and tongue, but it is not a diagnosis and cannot rule out cancer.
Quick answers
Is a mouth ulcer that lasts weeks cancer?
Usually not, but an ulcer that lasts more than three weeks should always be examined.
Can a dentist check for mouth cancer?
Yes. Dentists look for early signs during a routine check-up.
Take 5 guided photos with Yuktii Smile Scan, ask the AI teeth assistant, and find a dentist near you, worldwide.
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