Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFrequent SymptomsRare SymptomsComplicationsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderNext in Oral Cancer GuideHow Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Frequent Symptoms
Rare Symptoms
Complications
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Next in Oral Cancer Guide
A number of symptoms can be associated withoral cancer, including mouth, throat, ear, and jaw pain. These symptoms will vary depending on the location of the tumor as well as how far the cancer has spread.
Additionally, various complications may occur as a direct result of oral cancer (for example, difficulty chewing) or as a result oftreatment, such as radiation-induced mouth sores.
This article explores the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. It also describes some of the complications of oral cancer, and when you should see a healthcare provider.
Frequent Symptoms of Oral Cancer
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:
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).
Any unexplained bleeding in the mouth should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider.
The following symptoms can occur intermittently or gradually worsen with oral cancer:
Rare Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Less common symptoms of oral cancer include symptoms that resemble those found intemporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder,trigeminal neuralgia, or ear problems.
Uncommon symptoms that can occur with oral cancer include:
Complications of Oral Cancer
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 block the airway, potentially requiring atracheostomy. During a tracheostomy, a hole that leads to thetrachea(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 afeeding tubethat allows nutrients to flow into your stomach.
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How Oral Cancer Is Treated
Serious causes can include oral cancer,lip cancer, ororopharyngeal cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer can affect thetonsils, 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.
Summary
Oral cancer is a head and neck cancer that affects the mouth and throat. Symptoms will vary depending on the location of the tumor, as well as how far the cancer has spread. Complications may occur as a result of the cancer or the therapy required to treat it. If you have persistent or unexplained mouth, throat or ear symptoms, schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to determine the cause.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.NYU Langone Health. Perlmutter Cancer Center.Reconstructive Surgery for Oral Cancer.American Cancer Society.Living as an Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivor.Oral Cancer Foundation.Oral Cancer Facts: Rates of occurrence in the United States.Additional ReadingAmerican Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.National Cancer Institute.SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer.Bethesda, MD.Oral Cancer Foundation.Complications of Treatment.Romero-Reyes M, Salyemini D.Cancer and orofacial pain.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal.2016;21(6):e665-71.Ligier K et al.Health professionals and the early detection of head and neck cancers: a population-based study in a high incidence area.BMC Cancer. 2016;16:456.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.NYU Langone Health. Perlmutter Cancer Center.Reconstructive Surgery for Oral Cancer.American Cancer Society.Living as an Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivor.Oral Cancer Foundation.Oral Cancer Facts: Rates of occurrence in the United States.Additional ReadingAmerican Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.National Cancer Institute.SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer.Bethesda, MD.Oral Cancer Foundation.Complications of Treatment.Romero-Reyes M, Salyemini D.Cancer and orofacial pain.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal.2016;21(6):e665-71.Ligier K et al.Health professionals and the early detection of head and neck cancers: a population-based study in a high incidence area.BMC Cancer. 2016;16:456.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.NYU Langone Health. Perlmutter Cancer Center.Reconstructive Surgery for Oral Cancer.American Cancer Society.Living as an Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivor.Oral Cancer Foundation.Oral Cancer Facts: Rates of occurrence in the United States.
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.
NYU Langone Health. Perlmutter Cancer Center.Reconstructive Surgery for Oral Cancer.
American Cancer Society.Living as an Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Survivor.
Oral Cancer Foundation.Oral Cancer Facts: Rates of occurrence in the United States.
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer.National Cancer Institute.SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer.Bethesda, MD.Oral Cancer Foundation.Complications of Treatment.Romero-Reyes M, Salyemini D.Cancer and orofacial pain.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal.2016;21(6):e665-71.Ligier K et al.Health professionals and the early detection of head and neck cancers: a population-based study in a high incidence area.BMC Cancer. 2016;16:456.
National Cancer Institute.SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer.Bethesda, MD.
Oral Cancer Foundation.Complications of Treatment.
Romero-Reyes M, Salyemini D.Cancer and orofacial pain.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal.2016;21(6):e665-71.
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