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'I Found Out I Had Cancer After Spotting An Unusual Warning Sign In My Teeth'
Peter Young in hospital during treatment for stage four mouth cancer (Image: Courtesy Peter Young / SWNS)
A Meat Loaf impersonator noticed something while watching back a television interview and found out he had stage four mouth cancer.
Peter Young, 67, from Blackpool, only spotted the gap in his teeth when reviewing footage of himself speaking to the BBC following the death of the rock star. He later discovered during a dental check-up that it was a symptom of the cancer.
Diagnosed in December 2022, Peter is now cancer-free and credits the early detection for saving his life. He said: "Had Meat Loaf not died, I don't think I'd be here any more. I wouldn't have done the interview, and I wouldn't have known. The likelihood is, I would have been dead."
Having performed as Meat Loaf for around 15 years before the star died, Peter acknowledged he didn't visit the dentist "often enough" and wouldn't have looked for signs of cancer if he hadn't seen the change in his teeth. "It's a bit of a lesson for everyone, that," he remarked.
A skin graft taken from Peter's wrist to go in his mouth (Image:
Courtesy Peter Young / SWNS) Meat Loaf tribute act Peter Young (Image:
Courtesy Peter Young / SWNS)Reflecting on his diagnosis, Peter shared: "The guy who diagnosed me suggested I wouldn't be able to sing again. That kind of broke me a bit, that. I've been doing it for 30 years, it was my living. I was about to retire, but I would never retire from singing."
The singer, who has taken his act around the globe, first realised something was amiss after being invited onto the BBC to discuss the passing of Meat Loaf - real name Marvin Lee Aday - in January 2022. Seven months later, upon noticing a gap in his teeth, Peter decided he wanted implants to rectify the issue.
At that point, he was oblivious to the serious problem lurking beneath. "I decided to go to a dentist in Cyprus whilst I was working there, because it's a lot cheaper than it is in this country," he explained. "As it was, the girl who gave me the examination said I had an infection, so I had to go back to my dentist here in Blackpool."
After returning home, Peter was diagnosed with stage four cancer in his mouth and underwent a gruelling 11-hour operation to remove the cancer, with surgeons using skin from his wrist to patch up his mouth. He was left with just two natural teeth at the back of his mouth for seven months following the operation, which has left him cancer free.
Peter with other performers (Image:
Courtesy Peter Young / SWNS)Peter said: "I had the operation and I was off for about 12 months, I had no teeth for seven or eight months, they had to fit implants, because they had to remove all the teeth in the mouth for the operation." The singer is now back to doing what he loves and has released a new song to commemorate the third anniversary of Meat Loaf's death, entitled 'January 20th'.
He is set to perform in Blackpool in July, accompanied by a 30-piece orchestra. "I wasn't forced to carry on," Peter said. "I'll sing 'til I drop, whilst I can still do it I'm gonna still do it. Meat Load's not the easiest to do, but it seems to be my niche."
Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, can affect any part of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or lips, according to the NHS. The risk increases with age and most people are diagnosed between the ages of 66 and 70.
According to Cancer Research UK, the most common symptoms of mouth cancer are:
The charity advises that anyone who notices these symptoms should get them checked by a GP or dentist. However, all of the symptoms can be caused by conditions other than cancer and most people with these symptoms will not have cancer.
Oral Cavity Cancer: Expert Shares Everything You Need To Know About It
Oral cavity cancer, often referred to as mouth cancer, is a serious health concern that affects hundreds of people globally. With a recent rise in the number of cases reported in India, understanding its symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies is essential for early detection and effective treatment.
For the lack of information, we contacted our expert, Dr Anil Thakwani, Consultant and Senior Oncologist, Shardacare, Health City - Noida, to provide a comprehensive overview of oral cavity cancer including its symptoms, causes, prevention and treatment. Here is everything he shared with us.
What is Oral Cavity Cancer?According to the Mayo Clinic, oral cavity cancer is head and neck cancer originating from the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can present anywhere in the mouth, like on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, and at the back of the throat. "Early detection is of extreme importance since if it is left untreated, the disease may spread to other parts of the body," Dr Thakwani warned.
If detected early, oral cavity cancer symptoms could easily be treated. Dr Thakwani explained that the common signs include:
"If you encounter any of the symptoms, seek a health provider for evaluation as soon as possible," Dr Thakwani highlighted.
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Aetiology and Risk Factors of Oral Cavity CancerOral cavity cancer develops from the alteration of DNA within oral cavity cells to cause malignant growth. Many risk factors exist with this illness. These may include:
Tobacco use increases risk through cigarette smoking, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco products. Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption is one of the most common causes, especially in association with tobacco use.
2. Human PapillomavirusHPV infection is also known to be a causative agent of oral cancers. HPV-16 is considered one of the strains most often associated with the disease.
3. Exposure To The SunThe harmful UV rays of the sun are very bad for our skin and overall health. Without protection on the lips, there is increased sun exposure that can cause lip cancer.
4. Poor Oral HygieneOral hygiene plays a crucial role in determining if or not you are susceptible to cavities which can turn or lead to cancer.
5. Dietary FactorsA healthy diet is truly the foundation of our health. A diet lacking fruits and vegetables increases the likelihood of developing cancer since the body doesn't have enough strength to fight the cancer-developing cells.
6. Age and GenderThe peak incidence of oral cavity cancer is found among men above 40 years of age, who may or may not be in the habit of chewing tobacco or drinking alcohol.
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Prevention Measures For Oral Cancity CancerPrevention of oral cavity cancer is attained through a healthy lifestyle and good oral hygiene. Some expert-approved effective measures are as follows:
1. Eliminate Tobacco and Limit Alcohol ConsumptionFirst things first, if you smoke or have alcohol daily, you are more prone to this type of cancer. Hence, Dr Thakwani shared that hence the intake should be stopped and minimised as much as possible to decrease the risk.
2. Practice Sun ProtectionUse lip balms with SPF and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Dermatologists suggest reapplying every two hours.
3. Maintain Good Oral HygieneMaintain the habit of brushing and flossing twice a day, and schedule routine dental checkups.
4. Get Vaccinated Against HPVVaccination against HPV can reduce the risk of HPV-related oral cancers. Hence, if you are below the age of 27 years, make sure to get vaccinated today.
5. Adopt a Healthy DietMake sure to incorporate a balanced diet rich in seasonal fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, that will help build your immune system to fight the viruses.
6. Regular Self-ExaminationsCheck your mouth for any unusual changes and report them to a healthcare provider.
Treatment Options For Oral Cavity Cancer"The treatment for oral cavity cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumour, as well as the patient's general health," Dr Thakwani shared. However, common treatment methods include:
Surgery: Removal of the tumour and, if necessary, nearby lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered to kill or inhibit cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy: Medications that specifically attack cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.
Rehabilitation and Support: Speech therapy, dietary counselling, and emotional support are critical in recovery.
BottomlineOral cavity cancer is also a disease that can be prevented and treated if diagnosis occurs early. This can be only achieved by understanding the symptoms correcting the risk factors and developing a healthy oral health lifestyle. Preventive checkups and self-inspections play a major role in early detection and effective treatment. Take charge of your health today. When you notice something unusual, visit a healthcare provider immediately.
Signs And Symptoms Of Lip Cancer
Lip cancer is an oral cancer that first develops on the lips, usually causing an open sore or painful lump. Initial warning signs of lip cancer can be hard to recognize. As the cancer progresses, symptoms can also affect the teeth, gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.
Other common symptoms include mouth pain, a white or red patch on the gums, and swelling in the jaw.
Design by Health / Getty Images
The first sign of lip cancer is a physical change to the lips. You may notice an open sore or lesion on your lip that looks like a fluid-filled blister, lump, or bump. A cancerous lesion on the lips may feel painful or numb and can sometimes bleed. Lip cancer is different from a cold sore or pimple because it doesn't heal over time. Other lip changes may include: Discolored patches of skin on the lips Thickening lips What's the Difference Between Lip Cancer and a Cold Sore? A lip cancer sore can mimic the appearance of a cold sore, which is typically caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes-related cold sores develop on or around the lips and look like a cluster of pus-filled blisters. While there is no cure for cold sores, they usually resolve on their own in about 10 days. Lip cancer sores last longer than this timeframe and do not heal. Seeing a healthcare provider may be a good idea if your lip sore lasts longer than 10 days. As lip cancer grows and spreads, it may affect other areas of your mouth, causing symptoms such as: Lump on the gums or tongue Thick patches of skin in the mouth White or red patches on the gums or tongue Pain or numbness on the lips or in the mouth Lip cancer sometimes spreads to the throat. When this happens, it may cause these symptoms: Trouble swallowing food Sore throat that doesn't go away Feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat Difficulty moving your jaw Changes in your voice When left untreated, lip cancer can spread to areas beyond the lips, mouth, and throat. In advanced stages, lip cancer may cause systemic (bodywide) symptoms, such as: Ear pain Hearing changes Swollen lymph nodes Unintended weight loss Bone pain Fatigue Lip cancer is rare in children, and sores or tumors in a child's mouth are typically noncancerous. While more common in older adults, some children may develop lip cancer, which can cause symptoms such as: Sores on the lip that do not heal Lump in the mouth White or red patches on the gums Mouth pain or bleeding If your child develops any of these symptoms, visit their pediatrician or dentist for proper testing. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop lip cancer symptoms that do not improve after one to two weeks. Symptoms may include a sore on the lips, mouth pain, or a white or red patch on the gums. These symptoms can occur due to noncancerous reasons, such as viruses or injuries, but it's important to see your provider after two weeks of symptoms with no improvement. Lip cancer is an oral cavity cancer that causes a cancerous lesion or sore on the lips. This sore typically doesn't heal without treatment. If left untreated, lip cancer can also affect the teeth, mouth, and throat. Other symptoms may include lip numbness, discolored patches on the lips or in the mouth, tooth pain, and swelling in the jaw. If you're experiencing symptoms, seeing your primary healthcare provider or a dentist can help you understand your condition and receive the necessary treatment.Thanks for your feedback!
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