Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

• a mouth sore that fails to heal or that bleeds easily
• a white or red patch in the mouth that will not go away
• a lump, thickening or soreness in the mouth, throat, or tongue
• difficulty chewing or swallowing food.

Most early signs of oral cancer are painless and are difficult to detect without a thorough head and neck examination by a dental or medical professional.

Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers occur on anatomic sites that lend themselves to early diagnosis and treatment. Detection of oral cancer through periodic medical and dental examinations can significantly reduce the risk of these life-threatening cancers.