Signs and symptoms of mouth and lip cancers vary depending on the location of the cancer. The onset and severity of the symptoms also vary with the cancer site. For the majority of individuals, the symptoms gradually appear over time as the cancer cells grow at the site of origin. Lip cancers may be detected earlier than oral cancers because of the visibility.

Many oral cancers are not detected until the symptoms become more advanced. In some cases, a dentist may notice a problem during a regular dental examination. When detected early, squamous cell cancers can usually be successfully treated. Some conditions may indicate a cancerous or precancerous condition, such as:

• Leukoplakia. White area in the mouth or throat. It may be the result of a noncancerous condition that will not develop into cancer, or it may be a precancerous condition (dysplasia).
  
  
• Erythroplakia. Raised red area in mouth or throat that may bleed easily if scraped.
  
  
• Dysplasia. A precancerous condition in the mouth or throat that may be preceded by either leukoplakia or erythroplakia. Characteristics of this condition include a white or red area. It is most often caused by tobacco use, but may be caused by mouth irritants such as poor-fitting dentures.

The most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Sore in the mouth or on the lips that does not heal or bleeds easily
  
  
• Pain in the mouth that does not go away
  
  
• Lump or thickening in the cheek or on the lip
  
  
• Red or white patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
  
  
• Persistent bad breath

Symptoms that may appear later include:

• Difficulties chewing and swallowing
• Problems moving the tongue or jaw
• Loosening of the teeth or pain around teeth and jaw
• Numbness around tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Weight loss

Many of these signs or symptoms can be caused by cancer or by less serious problems. If any of these symptoms last more than two weeks, it is important to consult a physician.