Cancer of the Mouth and Throat (cont.)

1. Shocking Mouth Diseases
2. Dental (Oral) Health Quiz
3. Teeth Whiteners That Work

People may not notice the very early symptoms or signs of oral cancer. People with an oropharyngeal cancer may notice any of the following signs and symptoms:

• A painless lump on the lip, in the mouth, or in the throat
• A sore on the lip or inside the mouth that does not heal
• A painless white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Unexplained pain, bleeding, or numbness inside the mouth
• A sore throat that does not go away
• Pain or difficulty with chewing or swallowing
• Swelling of the jaw
• Hoarseness or other change in the voice
• Pain in the ear

Oral squamous cell cancer appearing as a tongue ulcer. SOURCE: Image reprinted with permission from Medscape.com, 2012.

These symptoms are not necessarily signs of cancer. Mouth sores and other symptoms may be caused by many other less serious conditions.

If a person has any of the symptoms of head and neck cancer, he or she should make an appointment to see a primary care professional or dentist right away.

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