Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

The most common symptoms of oral cancer/precancerous lesion include:

• Swelling/ thickenings, lumps or bumps, non-healing ulcer on lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth.
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth.
• Unexplained/recurrent bleeding in the mouth.
• Unexplained numbness, loss of sensations, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck.
• Persistent ulcer on the face, neck or mouth that bleeds easily and do not heal within 2 weeks.
• A soreness of throat/ persistent foreign body sensation in 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.
• Unexplained & significant weight loss.

If you notice and of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.

Anil Kumar Gupta

Senior Consultant

Surgical Oncology Department

BMCHRC