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Warning-sign checks

Oral cancer: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for severe uncontrolled bleeding, serious breathing difficulty, or swelling that is blocking the airway.

    These are uncommon but require immediate care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange a routine but prompt appointment with a dentist or healthcare professional if you have:

    • A mouth ulcer lasting more than three weeks
    • A persistent red, white, or mixed-colour patch
    • An unexplained lump in the mouth or neck
    • Ongoing mouth pain, numbness, or bleeding
    • A loose tooth or denture-fit change without a clear cause
    • Persistent difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw

    Do not wait for a scheduled follow-up visit.

    Seek urgent medical help if swelling or swallowing difficulty is worsening quickly, or if you cannot keep down fluids.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

The article also says

If you have previously been treated for oral cancer, report a new lump, ulcer, swallowing change, or persistent pain to your cancer team.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Oral cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.