1. Get Suspicious Lumps or Growths Biopsied
The presence of mysterious lumps, lesions or growths is a hallmark of all forms of cancer. Your dentist will check for visible early signs of oral cancer during your routine dental checkup, but it's important that you be proactive about getting help if you spot any sores, lesions, patches or growths forming in your mouth, on your lips or in your throat. You stand a much better chance of beating oral cancer if you detect and treat it early. Between dental examinations, it's a good idea to perform a self-examination of the visible areas of your mouth, particularly if you're a tobacco user. In addition to lumps and lesions, look for sores that don't heal or continue to grow, as well as white, black or red splotches on the insides of your mouth.
2. Find the Cause of Mouth Pain
Beyond the formation of lumps and lesions, persistent, inexplicable pain is perhaps the most telling sign that you may have oral cancer. With mouth or lip cancers, your pain may feel like a constant soreness. However, with cancers of the gums or tumors located in your jaw area, you might also experience swelling and problems with loosened or lost teeth. One symptom unique to throat cancer is the feeling that you have something lodged in your throat when you don't. You may also have a constant soreness in your throat that's inconsistent with the kind of throat pain you experience when you have a cold.
3. Be Wary of Eating and Mouth Mobility Issues
Eating and movement disabilities are two other signs that an oral cancer tumor may be forming. Your jaw may become swollen, painful and stiff, and cancers that affect the tongue may make it difficult for you to chew and swallow. However, you should keep in mind that there are many non-cancer-related causes of similar symptoms.
4. Look for Further Changes in Your Mouth
Finally, you should be on the lookout for secondary signs and symptoms of oral and mouth cancers. These include changes in your voice, which may crack or become hoarse as a cancerous growth puts pressure on your vocal cords. You might also develop swollen, puffy cheeks or notice that you have bad breath that won't go away. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, particularly if you encounter them in tandem with other signs of oral cancer.
