Various changes in the tongue may indicate serious illnesses, including cancer, Daily Mail reports.

According to the publication, the appearance of a painless sore on the tongue that does not heal for a long time is one of the clearest signs of high-risk oral cancer.

As Daily Mail writes, the color, surface, and texture of the tongue can reflect the state of the oral microbiome, hydration level, nutritional status, gut health, and overall well-being. The article emphasizes the importance of regular oral hygiene and the need to pay attention to changes in tongue color, gum sensitivity, and the appearance of bad breath.

The authors remind readers that symptoms of oral cancer may include pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and unexplained weight loss. The disease is most often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), so experts recommend vaccination as well as avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

According to a publication in the journal Cancer, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital have proven that regular blood testing for the simultaneous detection of multiple types of cancer can significantly reduce the number of late diagnoses. The article notes that screening is currently available for only a few types of tumors — specifically, breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. This means that about 70% of new cancer cases are detected only after symptoms appear.