Ulcer, cyst that aren't healing can be cancer, say KGMU specialists in Lucknow

• Ulcer or cyst in the mouth that doesn't heal for more than 3 weeks, could be the beginning of oral cancer
• Oral cancer is the most common cancer in the world
• Most oral cancer patients come in advanced stages, they ignore early signs and symptoms, resulting in less chance of recover

If you have an ulcer or cyst in your mouth that doesn't heal for more than three weeks, see your doctor right away, as it could be the beginning of oral cancer.

Doctors from the surgery department of the King George Medical University (KGMU) informed about this during a panel discussion on Tuesday. It was the first day of the 4-day celebrations of the 111th foundation day of the department.

"Oral cancer is the most common cancer in the world, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue and other areas of the mouth, which can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage," said Professor Parijat Suryavanshi.

"About 70% of oral cancer patients come to KGMU in advanced stages because they ignore early signs and symptoms, resulting in less chance of recovery," he said. "Such patients were taking several drugs and antibiotics and thinking about infections," Suryavanshi said.

"In the early stages, oral cancer can be easily diagnosed and treated. For example, lip cancer first develops a white spot that turns into an ulcer. Sometimes it can be painless, but if it doesn't heal within three weeks, then it can be lip cancer, he said. "Besides jaw and throat pain, bad breath without dental problems can also mean you have cancer," he added.

Professor Abhinav Arun Sonkar, head of the department, said: "Oral cancer is caused by chewing tobacco, smoking and drinking alcohol. We have also seen that it can develop at a young age within a few years because of these practices." "