During Mouth Cancer Action Month this November, Spring Hill Specialist Dental Centre are encouraging everyone to be mouth aware and look out for the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer, as last year, 8,846 people in the United Kingdom were diagnosed with mouth cancer.

This means that one person in the UK is diagnosed with mouth cancer every hour.

Mouth cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK.

Mouth cancer can strike in a number of places including the lips, tongue, gums and cheeks, it’s extremely important that we all know what to look out for.

Three signs and symptoms not to ignore are:

  • Mouth ulcers which do not heal in three weeks.
  • Red and white patches in the mouth.
  • Unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth or head and neck area.

When checking for signs of mouth cancer you should follow the following routine:

  • Head and neck
  • Lips
  • Cheeks
  • Roof of the mouth
  • Tongue
  • Floor of the mouth

If you find anything unusual in any of these areas, or are unsure of anything, visit your dentist or contact us to arrange an appointment with our Consultant Oral Surgeon, Graham Merrick, who would be happy to advise.