What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
The most common symptoms of oral cancer include: • Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth. • The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth. • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth. • Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck. • Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks. • A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat. • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue. • Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice. • Ear pain. • A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together. • Dramatic weight loss. If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.
