Mouth cancer (also called oral cancer) is a serious but often treatable condition when caught early. It can affect the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, and throat, and while it’s more common in people over 40, it can occur at any age—especially with rising HPV-related cases.
The good news? Many early signs are visible or noticeable, and awareness can save lives. Let’s break down what you need to know—without fear, but with clarity.
🔍 Common Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
See a doctor or dentist if you have any of these symptoms lasting more than 2–3 weeks:
- A sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Red or red-and-white patches on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth
- Persistent mouth pain or ear pain
- Lump or thickening in the cheek, lip, or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw/tongue
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
🚨 Note: Many early mouth cancers cause no pain—so don’t wait for discomfort to get checked.
⚠️ Main Causes & Risk Factors
