A cancer specialist advises that a persistent oral issue lasting over three weeks should be examined by a healthcare professional. Most mouth ulcers are typically harmless and resolve themselves within a couple of weeks. However, if one persists beyond three weeks, it could indicate mouth cancer, states radiation oncologist Dr. Jiri Kubes.
Dr. Kubes explains, “While mouth ulcers are commonly not serious, any sore that hasn’t healed after three weeks warrants a check-up. This can be conducted by a doctor or dentist.”
Additional indicators of mouth cancer include ongoing unusual lumps in the mouth or neck, unexplained pain, and difficulties with swallowing. Other warning signs can be unexpected weight loss, a hoarse voice, and red or white patches in the oral cavity.
Specializing in proton beam therapy at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, Czech Republic, Dr. Kubes advises, “Ideally, the inside of your mouth should appear pink and healthy. Regular self-examinations are beneficial. Pay particular attention to abnormalities, especially if you smoke, as this increases your risk.”
“Inspect your tongue for any changes and check for lumps or discoloration inside both the upper and lower lip. Though these symptoms may result from other conditions, it’s always prudent to have them evaluated,” he adds.
In the previous year, 10,825 individuals in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer, resulting in 3,637 deaths. Yet, as reported by the Mouth Cancer Foundation, only 20% of adults are familiar with its major signs and symptoms.
Treatment for mouth cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Proton therapy is a type of radiotherapy that uses proton beams to target cancerous cells with pencil-point precision.
Dr Kubes continued: “Proton beam therapy has the potential to offer fewer side effects because it uses a highly-charged proton beam to target cancer cells with pencil-point precision. This can ensure the dose is targeted and surrounding tissues are better protected, which is important in the very delicate head and neck area.”
For more information visit ukprotontherapy.co.uk
