Symptoms and Complications
Oral cancers commonly affect the sides of the tongue and the floor and roof of the mouth.
The possible signs of cancer include:
- ulcer or painless sore in the mouth that does not heal within 14 days
- a lump in the mouth or neck
- difficult or painful chewing or swallowing
- thickening of the cheek
- numbness of the mouth or face
- hoarse voice that lasts a long time
- white or red patches in the mouth
- difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
- dentures that don't fit well
- loose teeth
- problems speaking
- bleeding or pain in the mouth or on the lip
- flat, hard spot on the outside of the bottom lip
- a wart-like growth in the mouth
It is important to have any of these changes checked by your doctor or dentist. Having these symptoms does not always mean the person has cancer, but because it could be cancerous, it is best to get it checked.