Oral Cancer Symptoms by Stage: Early to Advanced Signs

Table of Contents

• What is Oral Cancer?
• Precancerous Oral Cancer Symptoms
• Oral Cancer Symptoms by Stage
• Stage 1 Oral Cancer Symptoms
• Stage 2 and Stage 3 Oral Cancer Symptoms
• Stage 4 Oral Cancer Symptoms
• Other Oral Cancer Symptoms
• When to Consult an Oncologist About Oral Cancer Symptoms?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions
• References

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It generally affects areas such as the lips, tongue, gums, and the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women.

Oral cancer stages start from stage 1 to stage 4. In stage 1, the cancer is only on the surface, and in stage 4, it spreads to the other parts of the body.

Most cancers in the mouth occur due to the use of tobacco, drinking alcohol, or both, and most throat cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The incidence of HPV-positive oral cancer has risen in recent years.

Precancerous Oral Cancer Symptoms

Precancerous oral cancer symptoms are the early signs of oral cancer. Early-stage oral cancer is very crucial to diagnose, as it can help in the early detection of cancer and treatment.

The symptoms of oral cancer may vary from one patient to another. In precancerous stages, patients may not experience any warning signs of oral cancer. Commonly observed oral cancer symptoms include persistent sores or ulcers in the mouth. In the beginning, patients may also notice red or white patches inside the mouth, gums, or tongue; these are the common oral cancer symptoms.

Other precancerous oral cancer symptoms include unexplained bleeding in the mouth or persistent pain in the throat or ears. If you experience any oral cancer signs and symptoms, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and early intervention.

Oral Cancer Symptoms by Stage

Oral cancer symptoms can change from stage to stage, depending on the extent of the disease’s spread. Understanding the stages of oral cancer is essential for informed health decision-making. Here are some symptoms of oral cancer based on stages of oral cancer.

Stage 1 Oral Cancer Symptoms

In the early stage of oral cancer, patients may or may not experience any symptoms. In this stage, the cancer is localized, generally very small, and has not spread to lymph nodes and other tissues.

Stage 1 oral cancer symptoms include:

• A constant mouth sore and ulcer that does not heal
• Feeling of pain or discomfort, especially in chewing or swallowing
• A white or red patch inside the mouth, tongue, and gums
• Swelling in the mouth
• Numbness in the affected area

Stage 2 and Stage 3 Oral Cancer Symptoms

In stage 2, the cancer grows larger but still has not reached the lymph nodes, but in stage 3, the cancer may spread to the nearby lymph nodes.

Stages 2 and 3 oral cancer symptoms include:

• Accessive pain and discomfort in the mouth and affected area
• Feeling difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and sometimes in speaking also
• A visible lump or mass in the neck or mouth
• Feeling of numbness and loss of sensation in the affected area
• Increased pain in the ear due to the spread of the cancer to the surrounding tissues
• Weight loss and fatigue

Stage 4 Oral Cancer Symptoms

Stage 4 oral cancer is the most advanced stage of oral cancer. In this stage, the disease would have spread to the nearby and distant organs in the body.

Oral cancer stage 4 symptoms can be severe and include:

• Severe pain in the mouth, tongue, and affected area
• Difficulty opening and moving the mouth and jaw
• Noticeable swelling and lumps in the mouth and gums
• Difficulty swallowing and chewing
• Bleeding in the mouth and throat
• A long-term sore or ulcer that does not heal and causes destruction of tissue
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue

Other Oral Cancer Symptoms

There are some other signs and symptoms of oral cancer that individuals should be aware of. Identifying these oral cancer symptoms can play a crucial role in effective treatment.

• Consistent bad breath
• Loosening or falling of teeth
• Persistent dry mouth
• Ear ringing
• Consistent pain in the jaw and neck
• Loss or change in taste
• White or yellowish skin inside the mouth
• Persistent neck pain or stiffness
• Consistent hoarse voice
• Swallow gums
• Difficulty moving and opening the mouth
• Swelling in the throat

When to Consult an Oncologist About Oral Cancer Symptoms?

If you notice consistent oral cancer symptoms such as soreness or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within two weeks, feeling difficulty swallowing or chewing, redness in the mouth, or persistent pain in the mouth, jaw, or throat, you should immediately consult an oncologist about oral cancer symptoms.

It is important to note that oral cancer first-stage symptoms can be subtle, and therefore, individuals must also consider regular oral cancer screening/check-up for early detection.

Thanks to the latest advancements in oral cancer treatment, today we can treat oral cancer cases, irrespective of their stages, with excellent health outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding what is oral cancer and the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is imperative for early detection and successful treatment. Oral cancer symptoms can vary depending upon the stage of the cancer. Stage 1 cancer symptoms are very mild and often not noticeable. As the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body at stage 4 of oral cancer, there is pain, difficulty swallowing, lumps, and noticeable swelling in the neck or jaw, along with unintended weight loss and fatigue. Understanding the warning signs of oral cancer plays a critical role in informed decision-making. If you notice these early signs of oral cancer, you should consult an oncologist.