13 Body Signals Indian Doctors Wish You Wouldn't Ignore

7. New lumps, skin changes, or non-healing sores

Spotting a new lump on the breast, neck, or skin, or seeing a mole change size and colour, matters. Non-healing ulcers in the mouth or on the skin should prompt an assessment because early cancers can look innocuous at first. In South Asia, oral cancers are relatively more common due to tobacco and betel nut use, so sores in the mouth that last more than two weeks need ENT or dental review. Dermatology evaluation and biopsy are often straightforward steps to diagnose or rule out malignancy. Do not delay because of embarrassment or home remedies; earlier diagnosis improves treatment options. Photograph any changing skin lesion and bring images to your appointment to help track progression. Doctors may recommend imaging or tissue sampling depending on the location and appearance of the lesion.