Mouth cancer: Unexplained persistent numbness felt on the lips could indicate the disease

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is when a tumour develops in a part of the mouth. It may be on the surface of the tongue, the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or on the lips or gums. According to the NHS, early detection can boost your chance of survival from 50 percent to 90 percent and if experiencing a persistent numbness on your lips it could be an indication of the disease.

Most oral cancers are a type called squamous cell carcinoma, with these types of cancers tending to spread quickly.

Smoking and other tobacco use are linked to most cases of oral cancer with heavy alcohol use also increasing the risk for oral cancer.

Some oral cancers begin as a white plaque or as a mouth ulcer.

Men develop oral cancer twice as often as women do and it is more common in men older than 40.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation advices everyone to perform a monthly two-minute self-examination to identify any troubling signs of the disease.

This would enable an earlier diagnosis, swifter treatment and a greater chance of survival.

The self-examination involves feeling the face, neck, lips, gums, cheeks and tongue, the open mouth floor and roof area.

During the two-minute check, one should be on the lookout for either lumps, red or white patches, changes in colour or texture, lingering ulcers or anything unusual.