What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

This page is about the symptoms of mouth cancer. There is information about

 
 

The most common symptoms of mouth cancer

The commonest symptoms of mouth cancer are

  • A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
  • Discomfort or pain in the mouth that does not go away
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Other symptoms

Mouth cancer can also cause

  • White patches anywhere in your mouth (leukoplakia)
  • Red patches anywhere in your mouth (erythroplakia)
  • A lump on the lip, tongue or in the mouth or throat
  • Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
  • Pain when chewing or swallowing
  • A feeling that something is caught in the throat
  • Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth
  • Loose teeth or dentures feeling uncomfortable and not fitting properly
  • A change in your voice or speech problems
  • Weight loss
  • A lump in the neck

White or red patches can be signs of pre-malignancy. Pre-malignant cells are abnormal, but they are not yet cancer. If left untreated, pre-malignancy can go on to develop into cancer. But if you get the condition treated, you can prevent a cancer from developing.

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Screening for mouth cancer

There is no official screening programme, but checking for mouth cancer should be part of your 6 monthly routine dental check up. Make sure it is done next time you go to the dentist - ask.

There is more information about mouth cancer on CancerHelp UK.

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