Cancer symptom could be dismissed as common winter complaint, dentist warns

A dentist has issued a stark warning that a common wintertime complaint could be an indicator of a serious and potentially fatal condition. The expert cautions that a persistent mouth ulcer might be a red flag for oral cancer.

With the arrival of winter's dry air, it's not unusual for people to suffer from mouth ulcers. Although most are benign and resolve within a fortnight, those lasting longer than three weeks could signal a more serious issue, such as cancer or ongoing medical conditions.

Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at Dentum, has advised that any ulcer persisting for over two weeks should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. He stated: "Most mouth ulcers heal within 10 to 14 days." He warned that if an ulcer does not clear up in this timeframe, it could be indicative of something more severe, like oral cancer, an autoimmune disorder, or a persistent infection.

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He also noted that the winter season often exacerbates these issues: "Dehydration and a higher risk of infections during colder months can aggravate mouth ulcers. But any sore that persists shouldn't be dismissed as seasonal - it's crucial to have it checked."

Key symptoms to be vigilant about include:

• An ulcer that does not heal after three weeks

• Unexplained pain in the mouth or throat

• Red or white patches inside the mouth

• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking

• A lump or swelling in the neck or jaw

While these symptoms alone do not confirm cancer, Dr Bozic emphasised that they should be taken seriously and assessed by a healthcare provider without delay, as early detection is vital.

Oral cancer

Dr Bozic stated that persistent ulcers could signal grave underlying health issues. "A non-healing ulcer is one of the early warning signs of oral cancer," he said.

"Patients often dismiss these as minor injuries, but an ulcer that lasts more than three weeks should be taken seriously. It’s crucial to look for other symptoms like red or white patches or lumps in the mouth."

Autoimmune disease

There's also a potential link between these maladies and autoimmune diseases, he explained: "These illnesses can lead to chronic ulcers, especially during flare-ups, and require coordinated care between dentists and medical specialists."

Infections

Highlighting infections as another contributor to prolonged mouth sores, with specific focus on individuals with weaker immune systems, Dr Bozic said: "The herpes simplex virus is a common culprit. These ulcers can last longer in winter when people’s immune systems are more vulnerable due to stress or other illnesses."

Lifestyle choices

Further shedding light on lifestyle habits that compound the problem, Dr Bozic remarked: "Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are significant risk factors not only for persistent ulcers but also for their progression to precancerous or cancerous lesions. Poor oral hygiene can worsen these effects."

In conclusion, Dr Bozic emphasised routine dental check-ups as a proactive measure, advising, "Routine visits can reveal abnormal sores or subtle changes you might overlook," underscoring their importance in early detection of possible complications.

He outlined straightforward measures for dealing with mouth ulcers: "Stay hydrated, avoid irritants like alcohol or acidic foods, and use a mild toothpaste such as Sensodyne. These small changes can have a big impact."

But if a sore persists beyond three weeks or is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck, a GP should be consulted.