Cancer Support Group

Signs and Symptoms
Oral cancer usually occurs in people over the age of 45 but can develop at any age. These are some symptoms to look for:

• A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
• A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat.
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth.
• Non–healing ulcer in the Buccal cavity or on the tongue.
• Unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth.
• A sore throat that does not go away, or a feeling that something is caught in the throat.
• Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing.
• Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
• A change in the voice.
• Pain in the ear.

These symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. It is important to see a dentist or doctor about any symptoms like these, so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.