Changes in the oral mucosa are often harmless - but diseases such as oral cancer can also be behind them.
The following symptoms should be taken seriously.
Those who frequently have canker sores or herpes have to endure unpleasant symptoms such as burning and tightness, but these skin changes are considered harmless.
But there are changes in the lining of the mouth that indicate serious diseases like oral cancer.
Find out here which symptoms speak for oral cancer and how you can reduce your risk.
Malignant canker sores can develop anywhere in the human body - including the mouth.
Annually more than 10,000 people in Germany develop oral cancer, as the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians Bremen (KVHB) informs.
Most of the patients are over 50 years old and male.
Doctors speak of oral cancer when a malignant tumor originates in the oral mucosa and affects tissue in the oral cavity
, including the inside of the cheeks and lips, the gums, the floor of the mouth or the front roof of the mouth.
Tongue cancer * is also a form of oral cancer.
Is it oral cancer?
When to go to the doctor
The Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University Hospital Aachen warns:
Behind changes in the surface texture of the oral mucosa can also be a precancerous stage
.
Particular attention should be paid to the color of the oral mucosa: If it changes color, this can be a sign that a tumor is developing.
Not only a change in color, but also conspicuous tissue such as non-healing wounds, swellings or stains that cannot be wiped off should be examined by a specialist.
Long-term inflammations associated with
dents in the oral mucosa
are also suspected of being tumors
.
Overview of oral cancer symptoms
whitish or red spots in the mouth that cannot be wiped or scraped off
raised or indented skin changes in the mouth
discolored oral mucosa
Numbness of the tongue or lips
mouth sores that won't heal
Swelling in the mouth
Discomfort when chewing and swallowing
Difficulty speaking
decreased mobility of the tongue
How to lower your risk of oral cancer
If tumors in the mouth and jaw area are detected early, they can be treated effectively.
It is therefore advisable to observe the oral cavity and, if there are any changes, consult your general practitioner, who will refer you to a specialist if necessary.
The dentist is also in demand:
early detection of cancer in the oral cavity must be part of the routine dental examination
, as reported by the Aachen University Hospital.
Certain lifestyle habits trigger the development of oral cancer, as the KVHB informs.
People are said to have a 30 times higher risk of oral cancer if they
smoke and
drink
alcohol
regularly over a long period of time
.
The following factors promote the development of oral cancer:
Smoke
too much alcohol
improper oral hygiene
Risk factors for oral cancer also include
:
viral infections
irritated oral mucosa due to sharp tooth edges
chronic inflammation
(jg)
*
Merkur.de belongs to the Germany-wide Ippen-Digital editorial network
.
Video: The fight against cancer - the solution was in our cells all the time
Also read
: Beware of mouthwashes: many make fatal mistakes that damage the heart.
Find out
how your eating habits reduce your risk of cancer
here
.
These things are bad for your teeth
These things are bad for your teeth