In support of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we want to inform you of signs, symptoms and risk factors of oral cancer. You should always contact your doctor or dentist immediately if you notice the following signs or symptoms in yourself or a loved one.
Signs
- Sore on the lip, tongue, or other area of the mouth that a health care provider can feel or see
- Tumor enlarges to become an ulcer or bleeds
Sore, lump, or ulcer may be:
- deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
- pale colored, but may be dark or discolored
- on the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
- painless at first (may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced)
Symptoms
- Abnormal taste in the mouth
- Chewing problems
- Mouth sores
- Pain with swallowing
- Speech difficulties
- Swallowing difficulty
- Tongue problems
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Dramatic weight loss
- Ear pain
- Neck swelling
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Tobacco Use
- Heavy Alcohol Use
- Chronic irritation (such as from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings)
- Human papilloma virus infection (HPV)
- Poor dental and oral hygiene
- Age (over 40 years old)
- Family history of cancer
- Excessive sun exposure