MOUTH CANCER (ORAL CANCER)

Mouth Cancer refers to cancer that develops in any of the parts that make up the mouth. Mouth cancer can occur on the:

Lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth

Cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth is sometimes called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer.

Symptomsof mouth cancer may include:

• A sore that doesn't heal

• A lump or thickening of the skin or lining of your mouth

• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth

• Loose teeth

• Poorly fitting dentures

• Tongue pain

• Jaw pain or stiffness

• Difficult or painful chewing

• Difficult or painful swallowing

• Sore throat

• Feeling that something is caught in your throat

At first the lesions of mouth cancers are painless. The patient may neglect this. Make an appointment with yourdentistif you have any persistent signs and symptoms that bother you and lastmorethan two weeks. Your doctor will likely investigate other more common causes for your signs and symptoms first, such as an infection.