Cancer of the mouth includes cancers that form in the tissues of the oral cavity and in the oropharynx, the beginning of the throat at the back of the mouth. Throat cancer develops anywhere along the pharynx, the hollow tube that goes from the back of the nose to the top of the windpipe or trachea and the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were 30,676 cases of oral cavity and oropharynx cancer, and 24,900 cases of laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer in the U.S. in 2009. Many health problems can cause symptoms similar to mouth and throat cancer.
General Symptoms
According to the American Cancer Society, trouble breathing or swallowing, a persistent sore throat, a lump or sore that does not heal, pain or voice changes like hoarseness or volume changes can indicate mouth or throat cancer. Symptoms occur depending on the site of the cancer.
Mouth or Oral Cavity
Red or white patches that develop on the tongue, around the teeth and gums or on the inside of the cheeks are common symptoms of oral cavity or mouth cancer. The jaw may swell, and unusual pain or bleeding in the mouth may occur. Teeth may be loose, and dentures may no longer fit properly. Sores in the mouth or on the lips may occur. Numbness, a lack of feeling that occurs in the lips or around the chin, may also be a symptom of mouth cancer.
Trouble Breathing
If cancer develops at the back of the nose or nasopharynx, in the nose or in the sinuses, an individual may have trouble breathing through the nose. If the cancer develops in the oropharynx, breathing through the nose or mouth may be a problem. As the tumor grows, breathing becomes more difficult.
Trouble Swallowing
Cancer in the oropharyngeal area, the area at the back of the throat, may cause trouble with swallowing. As the tumor grows, a mechanical blockage of the throat may occur.
Swelling
Glands in the area of the mouth make saliva, the fluid that keeps the mouth moist and helps digest food. If cancer starts in the salivary glands of the mouth, swelling around the chin or jaw, dry mouth, numbness, paralysis of the muscles of the face, and pain may occur. Swelling may also occur elsewhere in the mouth or throat, leading to problems with breathing and swallowing.
Ear Pain
Ear pain may be an early symptom of either mouth or throat cancer. An earache that does not go away, particularly with antibiotic treatment or ear drops, should be discussed with the doctor. Ringing in the ears may also occur.
Other Symptoms
Bleeding through the nose or mouth, chronic sinus infections, headaches and pain in the eyes may indicate mouth or throat cancer. Problems occur when tumor growth physically blocks normal pathways in the nose, mouth and throat or when growth presses on nerves.
