Oral Cancer – Know Its Symptoms

Posted on Dec 02, 2014 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Oral cancer can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. During dental check-ups, your dentist will screen for oral cancer. However, it is important that you are aware of the most common symptoms so you can react immediately between visits. They include:

White or red patches in the mouth or on lips: A white or red patch (or presence of both) inside the mouth or the lips is a common symptom of oral cancer. In early stages, these patches indicate abnormal cells, which is a pre-malignant condition. If untreated, they can become cancerous.

Sore or blister in mouth: A sore or blister in the mouth or on the lip that doesn’t heal within 10 days to 2 weeks is a symptom of oral cancer.

Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty chewing, moving the jaw, speaking or moving the tongue is a symptom of oral cancer and can be caused by many other conditions.

Change in bite alignment: Oral cancer can also cause loose teeth.

Oral bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth can be caused by varying issues but may be a symptom of oral cancer.

Ear aches: Frequent or persistent ear aches should be evaluated by a physician. While ear aches usually result from an infection in the ear, it can be related to oral cancer.

Any symptom should be examined promptly. Early treatment can greatly increase your rate of survival. Sadly, oral cancer has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers.

Call (828) 274-9440 if you have concerns about your oral health.