One of the most dangerous diseases of the oral cavity is oral cancer. This disease most often presents as pain or noticeable changes in a certain place in the oral cavity: the tongue, lips, gums, inner cheek, palate or throat. If you notice that a sore or a hardening of the mucous membrane keeps growing and doesn't pass within two weeks, an examination of the oral cavity is essential. Even slight changes in the oral cavity should be an incentive to see a doctor as soon as possible. How does oral cancer develop? Oral cancer can strike patients of any age, but most often it appears in people over 45. A common cause of oral cancer is harmful habits such as regular smoking and alcohol abuse. Additional risk factors are poor nutrition, immoderate sun exposure and genetics (if there are cases of cancer in the family). Almost all of these factors can be controlled by choosing a healthier, more conscious lifestyle. Of course, even the healthiest lifestyle is not 100% protection against these chilling diseases. The most important thing is to diagnose the disease as early as possible, because at an early stage treatment is most effective and there is a much greater chance of curing the cancer completely.

The main symptoms of oral cancer

1. Enlarged lymph nodes. The lymph nodes closest to the mouth, under the jaw or in the neck, may be noticed before the tumour in the mouth itself. Enlarged lymph nodes are not necessarily a symptom of cancer – they can be the result of a certain infection.
2. A hardening or sore on the mucous membrane. These changes are painless, but instead of healing they, on the contrary, keep growing.
3. Bad breath. As oral cancer spreads, a persistent unpleasant odour may come from the mouth.
4. Pain or discomfort in the throat. It's hard to chew and swallow food, and there's a feeling as though something is constantly stuck in the throat.
5. Numbness in the oral cavity. The nerves and tissues in the oral cavity are numb, so that certain areas can't be felt when touched, are hard to move, and feel no pain.

If you've noticed the symptoms mentioned, don't panic prematurely. Remember that these are only possible signs, not a diagnosis of the disease. Such symptoms can also be caused by gum disease or other, less dangerous problems. Whatever the causes, it's important to react to changes or unpleasant sensations in the oral cavity in time and to visit your family doctor. If an oncological process is suspected, the patient is referred to an oncologist. Oral cavity diseases are often first noticed by the dentist, so it's essential to visit regularly for preventive check-ups, thereby preventing the disease from spreading.