Mouth sores also known as canker sores look like cuts or ulcers and can make chewing and swallowing painful and difficult. Canker sores that last for more than two weeks can also be an early symptom of mouth cancer. These can develop in any part of the mouth and can spread to the back of the throat. If these sores do not respond to primary treatment, consult a doctor at the earliest.

Oral cancers typically begin in the thin, flat squamous cells in the lining of the lips or inside the mouth. This happens when the DNA of the cells mutate and multiply due to unknown changes. This mutation inevitably leads to the damage of healthy cells. The abnormal and cumulative growth of the mutating cells then forms a tumor and slowly spreads to all the parts of the mouth (tongue, gums, inner cheeks) and the back of the neck.

Early warning symptoms of mouth cancer

Persistent canker sores
In the event of canker sores that persist for more than two weeks, a detailed test can help confirm or rule out the presence of precancerous or cancer cells. Early detection of oral cancer is key to its effective treatment.

Bad breath

This symptom can result from poor oral hygiene, unhealthy food habits, or even digestive disorders. In such cases, it will be a short-term condition if one takes appropriate remedial measures. However, if you go through continuous or frequent bouts of bad breath without any apparent cause, it can be a mouth cancer symptom.

Unexplained pain

If one has persistent and unexplained pain around the ear all the way through the jaw or cheeks, it can be a symptom of mouth cancer. Stiffness in the jaw is also an early symptom.

White or red patches in the mouth, gums, or tongue
Sometimes, fungal infections may cause flat abnormal white patches (leukoplakia) or slightly raised red patches (erythroplakia) in the mouth or throat. But they may clear out after treatment. Though they may not be cancerous, there is a risk that tumors may form in these patches in the future. If the patches remain even after treatment, it may be a symptom of mouth cancer.

Difficulty chewing and swallowing food
If one experiences a burning sensation while chewing or swallowing food (even if it is non-spicy), or if one feels choked, they must consult a doctor. Ignoring these signs could lead to more complications.

Speaking difficulties and voice change

Oral cancer can impact the vocal cords, causing hoarseness. If one experiences a voice change or frequent slurring while speaking, it can indicate oral cancer.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

A lump in the neck indicates that the lymph nodes have swollen or are enlarged. This can be caused due to an infection, or they may contain cancerous cells. If the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck continues to grow, one may have to visit a healthcare professional without delay for an early diagnosis.

Lumps in the mouth
If one feels a lump in the gums, cheeks, or tongue growing over a period of time, it could be a mouth cancer symptom. In such cases, one must consider contacting a doctor immediately. If left untreated, it could lead to complications.

Numbness
Persistent numbness in any part of the body is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. If any part of the mouth, specifically the tongue, feels numb to taste, it can indicate oral cancer.

Lingering sore throat
In some cases, one may have a sore throat without any bouts of cold or flu. If the condition does not respond to any treatment and lasts for more than two weeks, it could be an early warning sign of mouth cancer.

Other symptoms
Apart from the most common symptoms of mouth cancer, there are other factors that can indicate oral cancer. They include:

Loosening or loss of teeth without any injury or trauma
Ear pain
Thickening of tongue, lips, and cheeks
Difficulty in moving the jaw
Unusual bleeding in the mouth

Discoloration of the lips

If one experiences any of the listed mouth cancer symptoms, one should not ignore them. Consult a general physician or family doctor if the symptoms do not improve even after two weeks of treatment or home remedies. The healthcare team will observe and suggest advanced tests to check for common causes of the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer if the initial treatment options are ineffective. Taking random treatment options can worsen the condition. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of types of oral cancer can help prevent the progression of the condition and speed up the recovery process.