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Amanda Foster — Reviewed writer, former magazine editor

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How to Handle Recognize Signs of Oral Cancer Step by Step

When recognize signs of oral cancer leaves you confused, worried, or unsure what it means, a clear step-by-step approach can help you sort the signal from the stress. This guide explains how to understand the situation, reflect on what matters, choose a practical next step, and know when to ask for trusted support.

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Part 1

Looking for Physical Signs

Examine your mouth regularly.

Most cancers of the mouth and throat cause some identifiable signs or symptoms during their early stages, but not all do. In some cases, cancers don't cause symptoms until they’ve reached an advanced stage. Regardless, doctors and dentists recommend that in addition to regular checkups, you should carefully look at your mouth regularly for any unusual changes.

Check your mouth daily for signs of oral cancer
Look for red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or floor of the mouth
Use a mirror to examine the inside of your mouth and look for any unusual lumps or bumps
Most cancers of the mouth and throat cause some identifiable signs or symptoms during their early stages, but not all do.
In some cases, cancers don't cause symptoms until they’ve reached an advanced stage.

Look for small white sores.

Check all around your mouth for small white sores or lesions, which are called leukoplakia by doctors. Leukoplakia are common precursors to oral cancers, but they are often misdiagnosed as canker sores or other small ulcers caused by abrasions or minor trauma. Leukoplakia can also be mistaken for bacterial infections or gum disease.

Leukoplakia is a condition where the mucous membranes in your mouth become thickened and hardened
Leukoplakia can appear as white patches on the tongue, gums, or floor of the mouth
If you notice any unusual white sores or lesions in your mouth, see a doctor right away
Check all around your mouth for small white sores or lesions, which are called leukoplakia by doctors.
Leukoplakia are common precursors to oral cancers, but they are often misdiagnosed as canker sores or other small ulcers caused by abrasions or minor trauma.

Watch for red sores or patches.

While checking the inside of your mouth and back of your throat, watch out for small red sores or patches. Red sores (lesions) are called erythroplakia by doctors, and although less common than leukoplakia in the mouth, they have a much greater potential for becoming cancerous. Erythroplakia can initially be tender, but it usually becomes painless over time.

Red sores or patches on the tongue, gums, or floor of the mouth are a sign of erythroplakia
Erythroplakia is more likely to become cancerous than leukoplakia
If you notice any red sores or patches in your mouth, see a doctor right away
While checking the inside of your mouth and back of your throat, watch out for small red sores or patches.
Red sores (lesions) are called erythroplakia by doctors, and although less common than leukoplakia in the mouth, they have a much greater potential for becoming cancerous.

Feel for lumps and rough spots.

Other potential signs of oral cancer include the growth of lumps and the development of rough patches in the mouth. In general, cancer is defined as uncontrolled division of cells, so eventually a lump, swelling or other growth will appear. Use your tongue to feel around your mouth for any unusual lumps, bumps, protrusions, or thickening of the gums.

Use your tongue to feel for lumps or bumps in your mouth
If you notice any unusual lumps or rough patches in your mouth, see a doctor right away
Don't ignore any changes in your mouth – they could be a sign of oral cancer
Other potential signs of oral cancer include the growth of lumps and the development of rough patches in the mouth.
In general, cancer is defined as uncontrolled division of cells, so eventually a lump, swelling or other growth will appear.

Part 2

Recognizing Other Signs

Don’t ignore swallowing problems.

Due also to the growth of sore spots and lumps, as well as difficulty moving their tongue, many oral cancer patients also complain of not being able to swallow properly. It may start out just with swallowing food, but advanced throat cancer can make it difficult to swallow beverages or even your own saliva. If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:

Trouble swallowing liquids or solids
You may feel like you're choking on food or drinks
Swallowing becomes painful or uncomfortable
Due also to the growth of sore spots and lumps, as well as difficulty moving their tongue, many oral cancer patients also complain of not being able to swallow properly.
It may start out just with swallowing food, but advanced throat cancer can make it difficult to swallow beverages or even your own saliva.

Listen for changes in your voice.

Another common sign of oral cancer, especially during the late stages, is difficulty talking. Not being able to move the tongue and/or jaw properly can affect your ability to pronounce words. Your voice may also become more hoarse and change its timber as throat cancer or other types affect the vocal cords. If you notice any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:

Hoarseness or a raspy voice
Changes in your breathing patterns
You may feel like you're constantly clearing your throat
Another common sign of oral cancer, especially during the late stages, is difficulty talking.
Not being able to move the tongue and/or jaw properly can affect your ability to pronounce words.

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