What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Oral cancer generally involves the cells and tissues of the lip and tongue. It may also be noted in the regions below the tongue, the tissues of the cheek, gums and the roof of the mouth (referred to as the palate). Oral cancer generally does not result in any symptoms in the initial stages. However there may be certain changes in the tissues lining the inner regions of the mouth that may indicate the development and progression of oral cancer. Sores on the lip or on the tongue that do not heal for a long time can indicate a developing oral cancer and can easily be noted. Similar sores or deep cracks may be noted in the tissues of the cheek or palate. These cracks may have hard edges and persist for a long duration of time or never heal. In some instances there may be a white or red patch on the inner cheek, tongue or the palate. Pain or burning sensation may be noted in these sores or cracks as the cancer advances. Other signs that may be noted as the oral cancer progresses include ba
