What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

I have a lump in the roof of my mouth that has been there for about four months. It doesn't hurt or anything, it's just there where it wasn't before. I used to smoke but I haven't for about six months. I would go to a doc or dentist but I don't have insurance or a whole lot of cash to go unless I am sure that I should be alarmed. Any advice?

LUNA CHICK,
IF THIS BUMP IS VERY HARD, DOESN'T MOVE OR HURT IT'S PROBABLY A TORUS PALATINUS. THIS IS A COMMON ANATOMIC OCCURRENCE IN SOME PEOPLE. THERE SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM, BUT TO MAKE SURE SEE A DENTIST. EVEN IF YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE, IT'S GOOD FOR PEACE OF MIND. SEE THEM HERE:http://www.ghorayeb.com/TorusPalatinus.h...

I would definately see a doctor but to give you some ideas here are some of the symptoms. Hope this helps, good luck.


Oral cancer refers to malignancies in the oral cavity (mouth) and the oropharynx. The oral cavity includes the lips, buccal mucosa (lining of the lips and cheeks), the hard palate, floor of the mouth, teeth, front two-thirds of the tongue, and gingiva (gums). The oropharynx includes the tonsils, soft palate, back third of the tongue, and the back of the throat.


Description

In the United States, oral cancer is diagnosed in approximately 30,000 patients each year and is responsible for about 8,000 deaths. Oral cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer, and the most common sites of oral cavity cancers are the floor of the mouth and the tongue. In the oropharynx the most common sites of cancerous tumors are the tonsils and base of the tongue.

The economic and social impact of this disease is great. Oral cancer may result in serious long-term disabilities such as loss of speech, hearing, salivary, and chewing functions, as well as pain and disfigurement resulting from head and neck surgery.


Causes and symptoms

Nearly three-quarters of all oral cancers are related to tobacco useeither cigarette, pipe, or cigar smoking, or the use of smokeless tobacco products such as snuff. Tobacco-specific nitrosamines are the carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) implicated in the development of oral cancers. Chronic alcohol consumption is linked to oral cancers, and the use of alcohol and tobacco together poses a greater risk than using either one alone.

Exposure to asbestos or radiation increases the risk of developing oral cancers, and exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for cancer of the lips. A high-fat diet that is also low in fruits, vegetables, and other sources of vitamins A and C has been linked to development of oral cancers.

Age, gender, and race affect the risk of developing oral cancers. Oral cancer usually occurs among older adults because they have longer exposure to lifestyle and environmental risk factors. Oral cancer occurs 2.5 times more often in males than females, and blacks are affected more often than whites. The higher rate of oral cancer among black men is attributed to lifestyle, such as nutritional status, tobacco, and alcohol use, rather than genetic differences. Recent research on tobacco and alcohol use, however, has demonstrated comparable rates of oral cancer among blacks and whites.

The signs and symptoms of oral cancer depend upon the site of the tumor. Certain types of lesions in the oral cavity have the potential to become cancerous. Leukoplakias (white lesions) and erythroplakia (red lesions) that do not resolve within two weeks should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Other possible signs or symptoms include:

sore throat, hoarseness, or sensation that something is caught in the throat
lump or thickening in the oral cavity
difficulty chewing, eating, or swallowing
difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
numbness, weakness, or altered sensation in the mouth or tongue
swelling of the jaw, mouth, or tongue
changes in hearing, smell, or taste
changes in the fit or feel of dentures or dental appliances
abnormal odor or discharge from nose, ears, or mouth
lesions, sores, or thickened patches that do not readily heal or resolve

Dr. Albert is correct, but get it checked out. The proper answer is that there are usually NO symptoms associated with oral cancer.