Swallowing problems, also known as dysphagia, may be a symptom of something more serious, such as cancer, and may occur before, during, or after treatment. It may be caused by the cancer itself or by esophageal swelling after surgery.
Symptoms to be aware of include taking longer than usual to chew and swallow food, having the sensation of food getting stuck in your mouth or throat, or having food come back up or vomiting after eating. Although these symptoms are not necessarily cancer, it is crucial to inform your doctor if you experience any of these so that the cause can be determined and treated.
10. White Patches in the Mouth or on the Tongue
White patches in the mouth or on the tongue are almost always normal and can be a result of irritation, injury, or infection such as oral thrush. However, if the patches won’t clear up after a week or two, it is a good idea to have them checked out.
The white patches that simply won’t go away and couldn’t be scrapped off can be a sign of leukoplakia, which can be a precursor to oral cancer in some cases.
Mouth cancer can appear on your lips, tongue, gums, or the inside of your cheeks.