Oral Cancer Symptoms

As a subtype of head and neck cancer, oral cancer (mouth cancer) affects the tissue of the oral cavity.  Oral cancer can arise from lesions within the oral tissue or it can derive from neighboring areas such as the nasal cavity.  There exists various histologic types of oral cancer, including: teratoma, lymphoma (from the tonsillar/lymphoid tissue), melanoma (from the oral mucosa), and adenocarcinoma (from the salivary glands).  Of the various types of oral cancer, 90% are classified as squamous cell carcinomas and spread quite rapidly, originating from inside the lining of the mouth and lip.  In addition to the floor and roof of the mouth, other areas commonly affected by oral cancer include: the tongue, gums, lips,and lining of the cheeks.

Oral cancer symptoms include:

Non-healing sore/s inside the mouth (14+ days)
A lump/thickening within the mouth
Loosening of the teeth
Red or white patch inside the mouth
Sore tongue
Jaw stiffness or pain
Pain or difficulty while chewing/swallowing
Sore throat
Sensation of something caught inside throat

Tobacco use is associated with 75% of all cases of oral cancer due to its irritating affect of the mucous membrane.  Alcohol abuse is known to compound this risk even further.  Since successful treatment is vastly improved based on early detection, it is important to consult your dentist and request a routine and thorough checkup of all areas of the mouth potentially affected by oral cancer.