What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer has several telltale signs and symptoms. They include:

• persistent mouth sores that don't heal
• unexplained white or red patches in the mouth
• unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• lumps in the neck
• loose teeth

Some symptoms of mouth cancer are less obvious, such as earaches. See your doctor if you have concerns about any mouth symptoms you're experiencing.

Mouth cancer may starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore anywhere in the mouth.

Here are some things to be aware of if you are concerned about mouth (oral) cancer:

• Any area of the oral cavity, including lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate can be affected;
• It can change the way the teeth fit together;
• It most often occurs in those who use tobacco in any form.

Other signs include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal;
• A color change of the oral tissues;
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area;
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips;
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.

Oral cancer can be diagnosed only with a biopsy, when a sample of tissue in the area is removed and examined under a microscope. However, your dentist can identify suspicious-looking areas or growths that may need further evaluation.

Mouth cancer symptoms include a sore that never gets better, and a lump in the lining or skin of the mouth. Soreness in the throat, tongue, or jaw are symptoms. Discolorations inside the mouth, in general, are also possible signs of mouth cancer.