How common are cancers of the mouth, nose and throat?
A number of warning signs may indicate cancer in the mouth and throat area, although these symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious problems. Don’t wait for something to hurt: pain is not usually an early symptom. If any of the symptoms listed below last for more than two weeks, it is important to see a doctor or dentist: • a sore in the mouth that does not heal • any swelling, lump, or thickening in the mouth or neck • a persistent blocked nose • a persistent ear ache • a white patch on the gum, tongue or lining of the mouth (leukoplakia) • a red patch on the gum, tongue or lining of the mouth (erythroplakia) • a cough, sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in the throat • blood-stained sputum or mucus • changes in the voice, such as hoarseness • pain in the mouth and throat area • difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, or chewing, or swallowing • numbness anywhere in the mouth • swollen lymph nodes in the neck (although this is most likely to be caused by a harmle
