Red flags of cancer that can appear in the mouth - and when to see your GP

Cancer is a deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way and spread to surrounding tissue. There are more than 200 types of cancer that can affect the human body.

As with any disease, the sooner you spot the signs of cancer the sooner you can seek help and hopefully catch it early. But symptoms can vary massively depending on the individual as well as type of cancer you have.

Sometimes symptoms can also be subtle or easily mistaken for something else. According to Cancer Research UK, there are four signs of cancer that can appear in the mouth - all of which could be dismissed for a less serious issue.

These signs are:

A croaky voice or feeling hoarse can be common with colds. However, a croaky or hoarse voice that “hasn’t gone away” should be checked out, Cancer Research UK says.

This could be a symptom of laryngeal cancer, a type of cancer that affects the larynx (voice box). Other telltale signs of laryngeal cancer include:

Coughs are common with colds and some other health conditions. Cancer Research UK says: “But if a cough doesn’t go away in a few weeks or gets worse, it could be a sign of cancer.”

As mentioned above, a long-lasting cough can be a sign of laryngeal cancer. However, it is also the most common sign of lung cancer. Other symptoms of lung cancer include:

Ulcers can appear in the mouth when you’re a bit run down and typically get better in about two weeks.

“But you should report an ulcer or red or white patch that doesn’t heal after three weeks to your doctor or dentist,” Cancer Research UK says. They can be a warning sign of mouth cancer, along with:

Cancer Research UK adds: “Some medical conditions can make it difficult to swallow. Talk to your doctor if you are having