What Does the Starting Stage of Mouth Cancer Look Like?

Understanding the Beginning Stages of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer, also referred to as mouth cancer, can start slowly and frequently without producing significant pain or suffering. For this reason, it is critical to understand what the initial phase looks like.

The early stage, also known as Stage 1, is characterised by a tumour that is small, 2 centimetres or less, and has not migrated to lymph nodes or other body organs. Even though it is localised, it may exhibit physical or visual symptoms that are noticeable at close range.

Common Symptoms of Starting Stage of Mouth Cancer

Here are the most common ways early-stage mouth cancer may appear:

Symptom 1: A Persistent Sore or Ulcer

One of the earliest signs is a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within 1 or 2 weeks. It may resemble a canker sore, but it lasts much longer. These sores may show the following symptoms:

They may appear on the tongue, inner cheek, gums, lips, or the floor of the mouth
Their colour can be red, white, or a mixture of both
They are usually painless in the beginning

If a sore lingers beyond the normal healing period, especially without an obvious cause, it should be examined by a dentist or doctor.

Symptom 2: Red or White Patches

Another common early sign is the appearance of abnormal patches on the lining of the mouth. These patches may look like:

Leukoplakia - thickened white patches that do not rub off
Erythroplakia - red, velvety patches that may bleed easily
Mixed red and white lesions, which can also be precancerous or cancerous

These colour changes often go unnoticed unless specifically looked for during a routine dental exam or self-check.

Symptom 3: Lump or Thickening in the Mouth

Early mouth cancer can also appear as a small lump, swelling, or thickened area. This might be located:

Along the gum line
On the tongue or the inner cheek
On the roof or floor of the mouth

The mass might feel firm or rough to the touch. Although painless at first, it may eventually cause discomfort while eating or speaking.

Symptom 4: Unexplained Bleeding

Sometimes, people observe bleeding from within their mouths for no apparent cause, such as brushing too hard or ingesting something sharp. This might suggest that abnormal cell alterations are affecting the tissue.

Symptom 5: Numbness or Tingling

While not as visible as other symptoms, some people experience numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in one part of the mouth or on the lips. This can be a sign that nerves in the area are being affected by cancer cells, even in the early stage.

Symptom 6: Difficulty with Certain Movements

In rare cases, early-stage mouth cancer can make it harder to move the jaw or tongue freely. This may include:

Trouble opening the mouth fully
A feeling of stiffness in the jaw
Mild pain when chewing or speaking

These symptoms usually appear later, but when present early, they may point to a lesion that’s interfering with normal oral function.

Treatment for Starting Stage of Mouth Cancer

Early-stage mouth cancer is highly treatable if detected promptly. Treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure no cancer cells remain. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be used.

Surgeons may need to perform reconstructive surgery, depending on the exact location and size of the cancer, to restore function and appearance.

Doctors might recommend radiation therapy after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. In certain cases, especially when surgery is not possible, doctors may use radiation alone or combine it with chemotherapy.

Regular follow-up appointments, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are crucial parts of the recovery process. Early intervention often leads to a high success rate, making regular dental checkups and prompt attention to symptoms like mouth sores or lumps extremely important.

Overall, the starting stage of mouth cancer often presents as a persistent sore, unusual red or white patches, or a small lump. Though early symptoms may not cause pain, they should never be ignored. Prompt diagnosis at this stage often leads to better outcomes and less invasive treatment.