1. Notice a Change in Your Voice
Tumors may be buried on the inner walls and structures of your mouth, making them difficult to detect physically yet exerting pressure on your tongue or larynx. When this happens, noticeable changes in your voice may result. If you lose command of your voice or if your voice cracks or wavers for no reason, you should have problem assessed by your doctor. This is particularly vital if you have any risk factors for oral cancers, including tobacco or alcohol use and a family history of the disease.
2. Detect the Cause of Mouth Pain
Many oral cancer patients' first complaint is of an ever-present, dull but persistent mouth pain. If this is accompanied by tooth pain or teeth that inexplicably loosen or fall out, talk to a doctor or oncologist at once. Throat cancer is usually considered a form of oral cancer, and it too can be signaled by sharp pain. However, it is also common for a person with throat cancer to have a persistent feeling that something is stuck in his windpipe or esophagus. Seek medical advice if you experience any of these symptoms.
3. Beware of Uncomfortable Numbness
Sometimes, it's numbness rather than pain that signals the presence of mouth cancer. If your cheek lining, tongue, gums or teeth are inexplicably numb for 1 week or longer, get medical attention and find out why. This may signal the presence of mouth cancer, especially if it's also accompanied by difficulties with jaw movement and normal functions like chewing, swallowing and spitting.
4. Undergo Biopsies for All Suspicious Growths
Throat cancer is usually signified by the presence of a hard lump beneath the surface of the skin, but these growths also accompany mouth and lip cancers of all sorts. Have any splotches or lumpy patches anywhere on your lips or mouth analyzed by a physician or oncologist as soon as possible. You should do this whether any of the aforementioned signs and symptoms accompany the growth.
