Mouth Cancer Negligence Solicitors & Oral Cancer Misdiagnosis Compensation Claims.

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of malignant tumour that can affect various parts of the mouth and oral cavity, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, salivary glands, throat, tonsils, and hard and soft palate.

There are two main categories of oral cancer:

• Those that develop in the oral cavity, such as the lips, gums, inside of the cheeks, roof and floor of the mouth, and the anterior two thirds of the tongue.
• Those that develop in the oropharynx, such as the tonsils, posterior third of the tongue, and the middle of the throat.

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with around 6800 people being diagnosed with the condition each year, and the majority of cases are diagnosed in elderly people. With around 10,000 people dying from oral cancer annually, it claims more lives than testicular and cervical cancer combined. When oral cancer is diagnosed early, it has a good survival rate. However, the longer it is left undetected, the more chance it has to spread, and the harder it becomes to treat.

There are a number of different symptoms associated with oral cancer, and patients may experience just a couple, or many of them. The signs and symptoms to look out for include:

• A mouth ulcer that does not heal
• Unexplained lumps/swelling in the mouth or throat
• Unexplained pain in the mouth or throat
• Numbness or a tingling sensation in the mouth or throat
• Red or white patches in the soft tissue of the mouth or throat
• Unexplained loose teeth
• Difficulty with chewing and swallowing
• Facial palsy
• Double vision
• Nasal congestion
• Bleeding from the nose
• Changes to your voice/speech
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty moving the jaw

This is not an exhaustive list, and if you notice anything different or unusual in your mouth, throat, or neck it is important to see your GP and/or dentist as soon as possible in order for a swift and accurate diagnosis to be made. When oral cancer is detected and treated early enough, it provides the best possible prognosis for the patient.

As with most cancers, it is not known exactly why some people develop oral cancer. However, there are a number of factors that have been identified as placing an individual at a higher risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:

• Tobacco use – Smoking and chewing tobacco have been found to significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
• Alcohol use – Individuals who are, or have been, heavy long term drinkers have a heightened risk, especially when paired with tobacco use.
• Betel quid use – Betel quid is a mixture comprising betel leaf and areca nut, amongst other ingredients, which is chewed in some parts of the world.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – HPV is a sexually transmitted infection which has been identified as increasing the risk of developing oral cancer.
• Poor oral hygiene – Without regular brushing, plaque can build up on the teeth and cause irritation and inflammation, potentially causing changes to the oral cells.
• Family history – If a close blood relative has had oral cancer this will increase the risk of you also developing the disease.
• Certain genetic conditions – There are some genetic syndromes, such as Fanconi anaemia, which may make you more susceptible to developing oral cancer.
• Age – The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases being diagnosed in people over the age of 45.
• Gender – Oral cancer is diagnosed more often in men than it is in women.
• Skin colour – Those with pale, fair skin are more likely to develop oral cancer than those who have darker skin.
• Certain occupations – Those who work in occupations exposed to certain chemicals, for example welders and painters, have an increased risk.

If you fall into any of these higher risk categories and you begin to exhibit any of the symptoms of mouth cancer, it is important to see your GP and/or dentist as soon as possible, and ensure that they know about the risk factors you possess. You are owed a duty of care to ensure that your symptoms are investigated in order to provide you with a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Failure to act quickly could constitute medical negligence, and you may be entitled to claim compensation if your oral cancer worsens due to a delay.

Having identified what some of the risk factors are for oral cancer, there are a number of ways in which you can minimise your risk and work towards preventing oral cancer from developing. Some of these methods include:

• Smoking cessation – As smoking represents the largest risk factor for oral cancer, it makes sense that stopping smoking is the best way to lower your risk.
• Drink responsibly – Heavy alcohol use is also a major risk factor for mouth cancer, so by reducing the amount of alcohol you consume, you also lower your risk.
• Good oral hygiene – Brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash, and flossing regularly can help to keep your mouth healthy.
• Regular dental visits – When you visit your dentist for a check-up they will look for early signs of oral cancer, so regular visits are beneficial to your health.
• Eat healthily – A diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help to keep your body healthy and reduce your risk of developing mouth cancer.
• HPV vaccine – Contracting the HPV virus has been shown to increase your risk, but there is a vaccine available to help prevent the infection and thus lower your risk.
• Use SPF lip balm – The sun’s UV (ultraviolet) rays can cause damage to the cells in your lips, so an SPF lip balm can help to protect them.
• Learn your family history – Make yourself aware of any history of cancer in your bloodline so that you can relay this to your doctor.

Of course, it is not always entirely possible to prevent cancer, and if you begin to develop any of the symptoms of mouth cancer, it is important to speak to your doctor and/or dentist as soon as possible.