06/02/2026
Mouth cancer (oral cancer) is a type of cancer that can develop on the lips, tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, or throat.
Common Symptoms
* A sore in the mouth that does not heal within 2 weeks
* A red or white patch inside the mouth
* A lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth
* Persistent mouth pain
* Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue
* Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
* Loose teeth without an obvious dental cause
* Ear pain that doesn’t go away
* Unexplained weight loss
* Persistent hoarseness or sore throat
Risk Factors
* To***co use (smoking or chewing to***co)
* Heavy alcohol use
* Infection with Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16
* Excessive sun exposure to the lips
* A history of oral cancer
* Increasing age (though it can occur in younger adults)
Our office offers an Oral Cancer Screening. We recommend to have it done at least once a year.
