What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Mouth Cancer?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, mouth cancer is classified as oral cancer. Oral cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably and damage tissue. The cancer can involve the lips, cheek, tongue, hard and soft palate, floor of the mouth and throat. If you have any of the symptoms of mouth cancer, you should report it to your doctor. If oral cancer is left untreated, it can be life-threatening.

Sores or Lump

• If you have one or more sores inside your mouth, on your gums or on your lips that do not heal, bleed easily and/or they change in size, you should notify your doctor so you can be checked for mouth cancer. You should also notify your doctor if you can feel thickening skin or a lump in your cheek.

Discolored Skin Patches

• If you notice white, red or red/white patches in your mouth, you should report it to your doctor. These patches can be a sign of mouth cancer. The patches can appear inside the mouth, on the tongue or on the gums. These patches may change in size or appearance.

Teeth Problems, Pain and Numbness

• If you have teeth that are loose or your teeth are becoming painful, you should report this to your doctor. If you wear dentures and they no longer fit properly, notify your doctor. Mouth cancer can cause swelling of the jaw that can cause dentures to no longer fit. You should also report any pain you feel when you swallow, or move your tongue around or any numbness you experience in your mouth.

Bad Breath and Voice Changes

• Bad breath that doesn't go away after practicing good oral hygiene---such as brushing and flossing, and using mouth wash regularly---should be reported to your doctor. You should also report any changes in your voice, as this can also be a sign of mouth cancer.

Considerations

• If you have one or more of the symptoms of mouth cancer, it does not mean you have mouth cancer. You may have an infection that can easily be treated with antibiotics. They only way to know what is causing your problems is to talk with your doctor.