Oral Cancer Symptoms

Blonde woman in mint sweater bites her lip and wonders about oral cancer symptoms

We know that anything related to the word “cancer” can sound pretty scary. The good news is that oral cancer is considered highly treatable if it’s caught in its early stages. To help as many people as possible get the diagnosis they need as early as possible, in this post we go over some common oral cancer symptoms so you’ll know what to keep an eye out for.

Patches of Discoloration

Red or white patches that stand out from the color of the rest of your mouth could be a sign of oral cancer. These patches may appear in the lining of your mouth, on your gums, on your tongue, or even on your tonsils. They could also feel thickened or rough.

Mouth Sore That Doesn’t Heal

Having a cold sore or a wound from biting your cheek is one thing, but if you have a sore in your mouth or on your lip that just doesn’t seem to heal no matter how long you give it, it could signal oral cancer.

Abnormal Lumps

Oral cancer can sometimes cause lumps or swelling inside your mouth, including on your gums, as well as on your lips. You’ll want to keep an eye out to see if you notice any bump that shouldn’t be there.

Difficulty Moving Jaw/Tongue

Oral cancer symptoms don’t just show up as visual signs. Sometimes they can be something you feel as well. If you’re having trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking properly because of issues with your jaw or tongue movement, it’s time to call us for a checkup!

Don’t Ignore Your Oral Cancer Symptoms!

If you have any of these oral cancer symptoms, we invite you to visit Pleasant Plains Dental for an oral cancer screening. We do both visual checks and screenings with our state-of-the-art OralID tool. The OralID’s special light technology allows us to spot signs of oral cancer in its earliest stages. So contact us today to set up your oral cancer screening!

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