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Cheek Cancer Symptoms: What Your Body Might Be Telling You
By Raveena M Prakash
Cheek cancer, also commonly known as buccal mucosa cancer, is a type of oral cancer that develops in the inner lining of the cheeks. The early symptoms of cheek cancer often appear subtle, which makes many people mistake them for everyday mouth irritations such as cheek bites or canker sores. Always keep in mind that our body has a way of signaling or alerting us with some signs before something becomes serious.
In this blog, we’ll help you to understand these early warning signs and how you can lead to quick diagnosis, less invasive treatments and better treatment outcomes!
What is Cheek Cancer?
Cheek cancer, also referred to as buccal mucosa cancer, usually develops in the thin area, which is a delicate tissue that covers the inside of the cheeks. In most cases, these cancers develop in the squamous cells; these are flat cells that easily get damaged by constant use of irritants like tobacco, alcohol, or repeated injury.
Anyone can develop cheek cancer; people with certain lifestyle factors and health factors can increase the risk of developing these cancers. That’s why noticing the changes in the body matters a lot.
Early Cheek Cancer Symptoms
Cheek cancer can develop in people quietly without causing any major symptoms. In many cases, these symptoms may not feel as serious in their early stages. Always pay attention to the signs that change to linger more than usual.
Here are some of the early signs of these cancer, including:
1. Mouth sores that doesn’t heal
This is one of the clear warning signs of this cancer because of a persistent sore inside the cheek that lasts longer than two or three weeks. These sores appear raw, ulcer-like, and irritating. In some cases, these mouth sores can start to bleed occasionally.
These types of sores are often mistaken for canker sores, but other than some typical mouth ulcers, they don’t go away easily.
2. White or Red mouth patches
If you are experiencing any kinds of discolored patches inside the cheek, especially white (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia) can indicate some abnormal cell changes.
These may be:
- Flat or slightly raised
- Smooth or roughened
- Painless in the early stages
All of these patches should be evaluated by a medical practitioner, especially if these get thickened over time.
3. Thickening or swelling of cheek lining
These are another early sign of cheek cancer; these may include fullness in the cheek, thickened tissue, subtle puffiness, or swelling. In some cases, the swelling is visible. In other cases, you may feel it with your tongue.
4. Cheek pain
You might feel a mild burning sensation, tenderness inside the mouth, or discomfort on one side of your mouth while eating. This pain can worsen with spicy, salty, or acidic foods.
5. Difficulty chewing
There are some changes happening inside your mouth, which can interfere with how you chew with your mouth. If the jaw movement suddenly feels restricted or uncomfortable, you may need to pay attention.
Advanced Cheek Cancer Symptoms
If the cancer starts to progress, the symptoms start to get more clear and noticeable.
Here are some of the advanced cheek cancer symptoms, including:
Experiencing Firm Lump or Mass
A lump or mass inside the cheek or face that doesn’t go away can be noticed. These can be a sign of cancer and can indicate tumor growth.
Numbness and Tingling
Whether you are experiencing numbness or a sensation of tingling in the cheek, jaws, or lips, it often occurs when the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
Trouble in swallowing (Dysphagia)
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing foods, difficulty in chewing, or feeling a sensation that food is sticking in the throat, it can appear when the tumor starts to grow in the mouth.
Unintentional Weight Loss
If you are losing weight without trying or changing your diet, which can be a sign of cancer, consult a doctor immediately if you lose more than 5 kg in a month without any reason.
Constant Bad Breath
If you are experiencing persistent bad breath in your mouth, then it can be a sign of tissue breakdown, difficulty in cleaning the mouth effectively, or poor oral hygiene. If the signs are not getting better after changing to better oral hygiene or trying home remedies, then consult a dentist immediately.
Who is at a higher risk of developing this cancer?
Cheek cancer can develop in anyone; the risk of developing this cancer increases with having some habits or certain other factors, including:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy, long-term alcohol use
- HPV infection
- Chronic cheek biting
- Irritation from sharp teeth or dental implants
- Poor oral hygiene
- Previous cancer history
Understanding these risk factors can help you to be aware of the cause of cheek cancer and monitor symptoms effectively in people.
Why does early diagnosis matter?
Early diagnosis of a cheek cancer plays a crucial role in improving the treatment outcomes of the patients. Like other mouth cancers, these cancers can progress quietly in its early stages, without causing pain or dramatic symptoms in patients. Detecting these cancers in its early stages can make a significant difference in the treatment success and improving long-term health.
When to seek a doctor?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then consult a physician immediately, including:
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal within 2-3 weeks
- White or red patches on the mouth that doesn’t go away
- A lump or thickened area inside the mouth
- Sudden cheek pain
- Numbness
- Experiencing trouble chewing, swallowing and
- Difficulty in opening the mouth
Whether you are experiencing any of the following conditions, consult a dentist immediately. Do not ignore these signs.
Even if you don't have any signs, practise a daily oral routine; you can still consult a dentist for routine checkups and make regular dentist visits once every 3 months.
Consult Today
The mouth is one of the first places to show the symptoms of underlying health concerns; cheek cancer is no exception. Experiencing persistent mouth sores, unusual mouth patches, swelling, or discomfort inside the cheek should never be ignored. Understanding your body and the signs and seeking timely medical evaluation can often lead to early diagnosis and more successful treatment outcomes.
At Oncare, we offer premium- quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at an affordable price range with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.
If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the cheek cancer, including:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Adenocarcinoma
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Here are some of the symptoms of cheek cancer, including:
- Mouth sores
- An unhealed lumps in the mouth
- Experiencing difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Mouth pain
- Jaw pain
- Numbness in the mouth
- Difficulty moving the mouth or tongue
- Swelling in the cheek or jaw
- Unexplained weight loss
Here are the common causes of cheek cancer, including:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Human Papillomavirus infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Family history of cheek cancer
- Exposure to environmental factors like air pollution, exposure of toxic substances
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