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Early Signs of Oral Cancer: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Know the warning signs and symptoms of oral cancer and when you should see a dentist.
Oral Cancer At a Glance
What are common early signs of oral cancer?
The table below shows what to look for.1 Many early signs of mouth cancer do not hurt.
Rule of thumb: See a dentist if any sore or patch lasts more than two weeks, bleeds, or you feel a hard, fixed lump in your mouth.
|
Sign or Symptom
|
What It Looks/Feels Like
|
|---|---|
|
Mouth sore that won’t heal
|
An open sore or ulcer on the lip or inside the mouth lasting more than two weeks
|
|
White patch (leukoplakia)
|
A white area that cannot be wiped off, often painless
|
|
Red patch (erythroplakia)
|
A bright red patch (flat or slightly raised) that may bleed
|
|
Swelling, lump or thick area
|
A hard or firm spot in the mouth, jaw, or neck that does not move easily
|
|
Tongue pain or numbness
|
Tingling, burning, or loss of feeling in the tongue, sometimes without a visible sore
|
|
Sore throat, trouble swallowing
|
Feeling that food is stuck in the throat or having pain when swallowing
|
|
One-sided ear pain
|
Ongoing pain in one ear without an ear infection or condition
|
|
Voice changes
|
Hoarseness or sudden voice changes lasting more than two weeks
|
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer also includes oropharyngeal cancer, mouth cancer, and throat cancer. The most common oral cancer symptom is a flat, painless white or red spot, or a small sore. In many cases, having a spot or sore in your mouth is harmless. But it’s important to tell your dentist if you notice any changes so they can check it out.
Oral cancer can affect people of any age, whether you use tobacco or not. In 2026, there are expected to be:3
- 60,480 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer
- 13,150 deaths related to oral cancer
It's smart to know the signs of oral cancer and learn how to prevent it. Early detection improves survival and reduces treatment side effects.
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
There are a few things that can increase your chances of getting oral or oropharyngeal cancer. Some can be controlled while others cannot:4
- Using tobacco or alcohol
- Being male
- Not having enough fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Having a chronic inflammatory tongue condition
- Certain genes
- Not using sun protection on your lips
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
- Chewing betel quid/areca nuts
Where can oral cancer appear?
Oral cancer doesn’t only affect the mouth. It’s a type of head and neck cancer found in the following locations:
- Tongue
- Back of the throat (pharynx)
- Lips (inner and outer surfaces, though this may be a type of skin cancer instead)
- Lining of your cheek
- Gums
- Roof or floor of the mouth
- Tonsils
Oral Cancer Screenings
Your dentist is key to screening for and diagnosing oral cancer. They should check for oral cancer during your regular dental visits.
Your dentist will look for suspicious spots and feel for lumps in and around your mouth and neck. This may include the roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, under your tongue, and other areas of your head and neck.
Mouth Cancer Biopsy
If your dentist notices anything suspicious, they may take a biopsy or refer you to an oral surgeon for the procedure. This procedure can help detect cancerous or precancerous cells. A biopsy involves removal of a sample of tissue or cells so they can be examined by a pathologist under a microscope.
When should you seek care?
Get an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for the following:
- A rapidly growing, hard or fixed lump
- Severe, one-sided ear pain with throat symptoms
- Any sore, red patch, or white patch that lasts over 2 weeks
- Ongoing mouth pain or numbness
- A new lump in the neck
- Changes in speech, chewing, or denture fit
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
- Quit tobacco (smoking or chewing)
- Limit alcohol
- Get the HPV vaccine if eligible (protects against HPV‑related throat cancers)
- Use SPF lip balm when outdoors
- See a dentist every 6 to 12 months for exams and screening, even if you do not have any teeth and wear dentures
Bottom line: Routine preventive dental care can help catch and treat oral cancer. Get regular dental check-ups for cleanings and exams and see your dentist right away if you have any symptoms that worry you.
Oral Cancer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can oral cancer be painless?
Yes. Many early cases of oral cancer cause no pain at all.
When should I worry about a mouth sore?
If it lasts more than two weeks, bleeds, or the sore feels hard, you'll want to get it checked out.
How can you tell the difference between oral cancer and a canker sore?
A canker sore is usually harmless. It’s a small, round sore inside the mouth that can hurt but heals on its own in a few days or weeks.5
Oral cancer can look similar to a canker sore at first. But it may not heal and can feel or look different over time.5
Key differences:5
- Healing: Canker sores go away. A sore that lasts may need a check.
- Feel: Canker sores are often painful. Oral cancer may not hurt at first.
- Look: Canker sores are small, round, flat, and have a white or yellow center with a red edge. Oral cancer can look different. It also may change in appearance without healing.
Does the HPV vaccine reduce risk?
Yes. It lowers the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.
What is the survival rate for oral cancer?
Five-year survival rates vary widely by cancer type and stage, from about 20% for cancer that has spread to as high as 95% when caught early.6
How often should you be screened for oral cancer?
Different groups have different recommendations for oral cancer screening. Talk to your dentist about your own risk factors. They may recommend an appointment or a screening at your regular dental check-up. 1
Tags
1 Oral Cancer Screening, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/oral-cancer-screening/about/pac-20394802, November 15, 2023
2 Mouth Cancer, Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20350997, January 16, 2025
3 Key Statistics for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancers, American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html, March 23, 2026
4 Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention, American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention.html, March 23, 2026
5 Is It a Canker Sore or Cancer? Look for These Signs, Cleveland Clinic, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dont-ignore-that-painful-mouth-sore, May 28, 2024
6 Survival Rates for Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer, American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html, March 23, 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. It isn't medical advice and does not replace care from a physician. Cigna Healthcare isn't responsible for issues due to the use, misuse, interpretation or application of this information. Always ask your provider for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations.
Cigna Healthcare products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group.
© 2026 Cigna Healthcare
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The insurer is issuing the translated form on an informational basis and the English version is controlling for the purposes of application and interpretation.