The Medical Consumer's Advocate

Signs of oral cancer

This letter originally appeared in Dr. Hoffman's column on allHealth.com.

Q: How does one know the signs of oral cancer? Does oral cancer make a person sweat a lot?

A: I have never heard of oral cancer causing excessive sweating. There are a few uncommon cancers which secrete chemicals that cause a variety of unusual symptoms (including excessive sweating), but these tumors are rare to begin with, and are even rarer in the oral cavity.

Here is a list of the more common signs and symptoms of oral cancer. (By the way, a sign is something that your doctor sees when he/she examines you, and a symptom is something that you report to your doctor.)

– The oral cavity is a relatively easy area to examine. Thus, the most important sign of oral cavity cancer is a nonhealing ulcer and/or a growing lump in the oral cavity. These signs are evident upon careful examination of the oral cavity, either by the patient or the physician.

– Unusual coloration. Red areas are especially worrisome, but white areas or dark areas can also spell trouble.

– Unusual texture (for example, a rough area on the side of the tongue); pain; loose teeth; a change in the way the teeth "meet"; bleeding; bad breath; a sensation that "something is lodged in the back of my throat." Each of these symptoms is usually NOT due to cancer, but in the context of other worrisome signs or symptoms, they can contribute to a suspicion of cancer.

You should also bear in mind that oral cancers generally occur in older individuals who have smoked (or chewed tobacco) for many years, and who have also had more than their fair share of alcohol. Thus, if you are 24-year-old who doesn’t smoke and drinks only an occasional glass of wine or beer, then cancer is very unlikely (although not impossible.) If there is the slightest doubt (and the fact that you are submitting a question indicates that you ARE wondering about cancer), you need to see a doctor.

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	Click here if you have questions, comments or criticisms for Dr. Hoffman.

The Medical Consumer's Advocate

Signs of oral cancer

This letter originally appeared in Dr. Hoffman's column on allHealth.com.

Q: How does one know the signs of oral cancer? Does oral cancer make a person sweat a lot?

A: I have never heard of oral cancer causing excessive sweating. There are a few uncommon cancers which secrete chemicals that cause a variety of unusual symptoms (including excessive sweating), but these tumors are rare to begin with, and are even rarer in the oral cavity.

Here is a list of the more common signs and symptoms of oral cancer. (By the way, a sign is something that your doctor sees when he/she examines you, and a symptom is something that you report to your doctor.)

– The oral cavity is a relatively easy area to examine. Thus, the most important sign of oral cavity cancer is a nonhealing ulcer and/or a growing lump in the oral cavity. These signs are evident upon careful examination of the oral cavity, either by the patient or the physician.

– Unusual coloration. Red areas are especially worrisome, but white areas or dark areas can also spell trouble.

Back to The Question and Answer Page

More information available on other diseases of the ears, nose and throat!

Click here if you have questions, comments or criticisms for Dr. Hoffman.

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