Mouth (Oral) cancer symptoms

Oral cancer symptoms and Signs of oral cancer

Often, a dentist is the first person to find an oral cavity cancer on a routine examination. People with oral and oropharyngeal cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, people with oral and oropharyngeal cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other medical conditions. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your doctor.

• Sore in the mouth or on the lip that does not heal (the most common symptom)


• Red or white patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth


• Lump on the lip, mouth, neck, or throat or a feeling of thickening in the cheek


• Persistent sore throat, or a feeling that something is caught in the throat


• Hoarseness or change in voice


• Numbness of the mouth or tongue


• Pain or bleeding in the mouth


• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaws or tongue


• Ear and/or jaw pain


• Chronic bad breath


• Changes in speech


• Loosening of teeth or toothache


• Dentures that no longer fit


• Unexplained weight loss


• Fatigue


• Loss of appetite, especially when prolonged (anorexia); this may happen later in the course of the illness

People who notice any of these warning signs should consult a doctor and/or dentist right away. When detected early, cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx have a much better chance of cure.

Because many of these symptoms can be caused by other noncancerous health conditions as well, it is important for people to receive regular health and dental screenings, especially those who routinely drink alcohol or currently use tobacco products or have used them in the past.

Because many of these symptoms can be caused by other noncancerous health conditions as well, it is important for people to receive regular health and dental screenings, especially those who routinely drink alcohol or currently use tobacco products or have used them in the past.