Frequent Symptoms
While oral cancers can be discovered incidentally, such as during a dental appointment, some may cause symptoms that prompt medical attention.
Some of the more frequent symptoms of oral cancer include:
Non-healing sore or blister: A sore or blister in the mouth that won’t heal is the most common sign. Persistent pain: Generalized pain in the mouth or throat that will not go away can occur. White or red patch inside the mouth: They can develop on the floor of the mouth or the underside of the tongue. In the early stages, leukoplakia (white patches) and erythroplakia (raised, red patches) are signs of dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition. If left untreated, they can progress and become cancerous.
Bite line leukoplakia is very common and appears on the buccaneers mucosa (opposite the point where the upper and lower teeth meet). This type is benign and not generally considered pre-malignant (pre-cancerous).
The following symptoms can occur intermittently or gradually worsen with oral cancer:
Difficulty chewing or speaking, moving the jaw, moving the tongue A feeling that there is something in your throat Swelling or lump in the cheek, jaw, or neck Unexplained numbness and/or pain Teeth or jaw changes: This may include dentures not fitting correctly or comfortably, as well as loose or painful teeth.
Rare Symptoms
Less common symptoms of oral cancer include symptoms that resemble those found in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, trigeminal neuralgia, or ear problems.
Uncommon symptoms that can occur with oral cancer include:
Ear pain that may radiate to the jaw and cheeks A feeling of fullness in the ear Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) Jaw stiffness and/or difficulty opening the jaw Pain in the facial muscles or muscles used for chewing Burning, tingling, or sharp shooting electrical facial sensations
Complications
Depending on the location and stage of cancer, various physical and quality of life-related complications may occur as a result of cancer or the therapy required to treat it.
Teeth, Tongue, and/or Bone Removal
If cancer has grown into a facial bone or tongue, it may need to be surgically removed. Part of the jaw would be removed for stage 3 or 4 oral cancer.
Radiation necrosis, a rare complication of radiation therapy, can occur after the end of treatment.
Surgery can significantly alter a person’s physical appearance and may affect talking and eating. Reconstructive surgery and/or the use of prostheses can help minimize these effects.
Breathing Problems
Oral cancer can contribute to breathing problems due to blockage from cancer or scarring due to treatment.
For example, a tumor may partially obstruct the airway, potentially requiring a tracheostomy. During a tracheostomy, a hole that leads to the trachea (windpipe) is made in the front of the neck. The hole is kept open with a hollow tracheostomy tube to create a new airway.
Malnutrition and Dehydration
With oral cancer, you can experience mouth swelling, sores, dry mouth, and/or loss of taste. Impaired chewing and/or swallowing can also be a problem due to obstruction from the tumor or treatment-related scarring or narrowing.
These issues can interfere with your nutrition. If you can’t get enough nourishment from eating, your healthcare provider may recommend the placement of a feeding tube that allows nutrients to flow into your stomach.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Persistent or unexplained mouth or throat symptoms lasting for two weeks or longer warrant a medical evaluation by your healthcare provider or dentist.
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Serious causes can include oral cancer, lip cancer, or oropharyngeal cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer can affect the tonsils, soft palate, back third of the tongue, and the back and side of the throat.
While cancer is an unlikely cause of your symptoms, you could have another problem that needs treatment—such as a cavity or an infection.
