Symptoms of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer

About symptoms of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer

The oropharyngeal​ is the part of the throat just behind the mouth. It connects the mouth to the throat. Cancers that start in this area are called oropharyngeal cancers.

Possible symptoms include:

• ulcers that don't heal

• a lump in your neck

• pain in your mouth

• red or white patches in your mouth or throat

• a persistent sore throat

• having pain or difficulty swallowing

• speech problems

• weight loss

• bad breath

Get tips on seeing your GP or dentist about your symptoms

Ulcers that do not heal

A broken area in the lining of the mouth (ulcer) that will not heal is a common symptom of mouth cancer.

A lump in your neck

You may have a lump in your neck caused by an enlarged lymph node. Swelling in one or more lymph nodes in the neck is a common symptom of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer. It may appear on its own or with other symptoms of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer.

A hot red painful lump usually means an infection, rather than a cancer. Lumps that come and go are not usually due to cancer. Cancer usually forms a lump that slowly gets bigger.

Pain in your mouth

Pain, discomfort or swelling in your mouth that doesn't go away may be present with other symptoms of mouth cancer.

Red or white patches in the mouth or throat

An abnormal looking patch in your mouth or throat could be a sign of pre cancerous changes or cancer. They can sometimes be painful and include:

• white patches, also called leukoplakia

• red patches, also called erythroplakia

These patches are not cancer, but if left untreated, they may lead to cancer. 

Red and white patches in the mouth can also be caused by a fungal infection called thrush. The white patches usually rub off, leaving a sore red patch underneath. If you have anti fungal treatment, and the patches go away, they are not related to cancer. 

Read more about leukoplakia and erythroplakia

A persistent sore throat

A persistent sore throat, particularly on one side, is a common symptom of oropharyngeal cancer. A sore throat can also be caused by:

• viral or bacterial infections

• acid reflux

• smoking

• hay fever

Having pain or difficulty swallowing

Mouth cancer can cause pain or a burning sensation when chewing and swallowing food that doesn't get better after a few days. Or you might feel like your food is sticking in your throat. Difficulty swallowing can also be caused by a narrowing of the food pipe (oesophagus).

Speech problems

Cancer in your mouth or throat can affect your voice. Your voice might sound different. It may be quieter, husky, or sound as if you have a cold all the time. Or you might slur some of your words, or have trouble with pronouncing some sounds.

Weight loss

Weight loss is a common symptom of many different types of cancer. Mouth and oropharyngeal cancer can make it painful to eat and difficult to swallow. This might cause weight loss. 

Extreme weight loss (when you are not dieting) can be a sign of advanced cancer.

Bad breath

Most people have bad breath at some point in their life and it is not cancer. But if you have cancer, bad breath might be worse and happen more often.

Other symptoms

These can include one or more of the following:

• a lump or thickening of your lip 

• a feeling of a lump on one side of your mouth or throat 

• an unusually large tonsil on one side

• unusual bleeding or numbness in your mouth 

• loose teeth for no clear reason 

• difficulty moving your jaw 

• pain in your ear that does not get better in a few days