A medical lawyer has highlighted the often ignored symptoms of a lethal cancer affecting thousands of Americans annually.
Cancer remains a major cause of death across the globe, responsible for nearly one in six fatalities, as reported by the World Health Service.
While certain cancer types exhibit minimal symptoms, others can present symptoms that might be mistaken for less serious health conditions.
However, a prominent medical negligence solicitor has observed an increasing number of patients being misdiagnosed, dismissed, or treated with antibiotics, only to later receive a life-changing cancer diagnosis.
Kate McCue, a Senior Associate Solicitor at Simpson Millar, emphasized that ‘timing really does make all the difference.’ She noted, “Catching [the cancer] early can lead to much better outcomes, not just in terms of survival, but also in how intensive the treatment needs to be, how long recovery takes, and what quality of life looks like after treatment.”
The UK-based legal practice has noted an increase in the misdiagnosis of head and neck cancers.
This category includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, throat, and voice box. The National Foundation for Cancer Research anticipates approximately 71,110 new cases of head and neck cancers will be diagnosed in the US in 2024.
Although the risk is elevated for individuals who smoke or consume alcohol, this disease can affect anyone. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes, according to Kate.
The 12 symptoms of head and neck cancer to be aware of can affect areas such as the face, throat, ears, and even teeth.
Some signs to watch for include mouth ulcers that do not heal, white or red patches in the mouth, and a persistent sore throat.
Other warning signs include pain or difficulty swallowing, a lump in the mouth or neck, changes in voice or speech, and numbness in the tongue or lips.
Additional indicators are swelling or thickening in the cheek, a blocked nose on one side, and ear pain or hearing issues.
Individuals might also notice loose teeth without an apparent cause and unexplained weight loss.
Kate advises: “If any of these symptoms last more than two to three weeks, or get worse over time, speak to your GP or dentist.
“You might be referred to a specialist within two weeks, and this is called an urgent referral, designed to ensure serious conditions are identified promptly.”
She stresses: “If you feel something is wrong, push for further testing so that you’re comfortable that your warning signs and symptoms are being taken seriously.”