Symptoms of CARCINOMA OF THE OROPHARYNX

A sore in the mouth that does not heal is the most common symptoms of oral cancer. Those afflicted with this disorder may describe a lump or thickening in the cheek. Other common symptoms of oral and oropharyngeal cancer include a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth. Difficulty swallowing, difficulty chewing or problems moving the tongue and jaw may also occur. Persistent sore throat may also be a harbinger of cancer of the throat. When the cancer becomes more invasive, it may affect adjacent tissues, including nerves and muscles. Numbness of the tongue or mouth may occur. Pain or loosening of teeth may occur. The voice may change in quality. A lump or mass in the neck may be noted as well as unexplained weight loss.