During each dental exam, your dentist will check your face, neck and mouth for lumps, red or white patches, and sore areas that do not heal. Be sure to tell your dentist if you see any changes in your mouth and neck. If signs of cancer are found, it is easier to treat at this stage than later on.

Signs of oral (mouth) cancer:

• • a sore or irritation that doesn’t go away

• • red or white patches

• • pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips

• • a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area

• • difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

• • a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth

Signs of throat cancer:

• • lump or growth in the throat or neck area

• • cough or sore throat that doesn’t go away

• • earache

• • trouble with swallowing

• • hoarseness or other changes in your voice

Mouth Cancers

Cancer on the tongue

Cancer on the lip

Leukoplakia (which can turn into cancer) inside the cheek

Mouth Sores

Canker sores

Cold sores or fever blisters

Candidiasis (a fungal infection, also called oral thrush or moniliasis)

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer affects the base of the tongue and tonsils.