Signs of mouth cancer: sores and patches on the tongue, cheek or palate that don't heal
The vast majority of mouth sores and patches have harmless causes such as ulcers, denture rubbing or biting, and heal within a week or two. A sore that hasn't healed in two to three weeks, a white or red patch, a hard area or unexplained numbness, however, should always be checked by a clinician. Mouth cancer found early has a good chance of successful treatment, and a routine dental examination covers not only the teeth but also the tongue, cheeks, palate and floor of the mouth.
Which signs should be checked?
- A sore or ulcer that doesn't heal within two to three weeks
- A white (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patch that doesn't wipe off
- A hard area, lump or thickening on the tongue, cheek, lip or floor of the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding, or numbness of the tongue or lip
- New difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- Teeth loosening without gum disease, or a denture that suddenly no longer fits
- A lump in the neck that doesn't go away, or a hoarse voice
How to tell harmless sores apart
| Usually harmless | Needs examination |
|---|---|
| Ulcer: painful, round, yellow-white base; heals in 7–14 days | A sore lasting more than two to three weeks, which may be painless |
| Sore from a denture or broken tooth edge: heals once the cause is removed | A sore that doesn't heal after the cause is removed |
| Thrush: white plaques that wipe off | A white or red patch that doesn't wipe off |
| Bite or burn from hot food | A hard area, lump or numbness |
See mouth ulcers and white tongue for more.
Risk factors
- Tobacco: cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah and smokeless tobacco are the main risk factor.
- Alcohol: raises the risk markedly, especially combined with tobacco.
- HPV infection: linked particularly to cancers of the tonsils and base of the tongue.
- Sun: long-term sun exposure plays a role in lower lip cancer.
- Chronic irritation: sores repeatedly caused by an ill-fitting denture or sharp tooth should be assessed.
Having a risk factor doesn't mean you will get cancer, but people who smoke or drink regularly shouldn't skip mouth checks.
A two-minute self-check once a month
- Stand in front of a mirror in good light; take out any dentures.
- Look inside and outside your lips and at your gums.
- Gently pull your cheeks out with a finger and look inside.
- Stick out your tongue and look at the top, underneath and both sides; holding it with gauze makes the sides easier to see.
- Look at the floor of your mouth and the palate, and feel the soft tissues for hard areas.
- Feel your neck and under your jaw for lumps.
What happens at a dental examination?
A routine dental check includes the soft tissues of the mouth. If something suspicious is seen, any likely source of irritation is removed and you're reviewed shortly afterwards, or you're referred directly to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an ear, nose and throat doctor. A definite diagnosis is made by examining a small tissue sample (biopsy). For how often to have check-ups, see dental check-ups.
Mouth checks in Beylikdüzü
If you've noticed a sore or patch that won't heal, mention it when booking; noting how long it's been there and any changes you've seen helps the assessment. We share our findings and, if needed, a referral recommendation in writing.
Dent32 Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği (Dent32 Dental Polyclinic) is at Barış Mah., Ginza Lavinya, E-5 Yanyolu No:30 D:179, 34520 Beylikdüzü, Istanbul and is open seven days a week. To book, call or WhatsApp +90 555 011 33 68, or use our contact page. At the examination we share the findings, the options and the approximate cost in writing; you are under no obligation to start treatment afterwards.
For clinic details, our dentists and the full list of treatments, visit Dent32, our dental practice in Beylikdüzü.
Frequently asked questions
When is a mouth sore dangerous?
Sores that don't heal within two to three weeks, persist after the cause is removed, or come with a hard area or numbness should be checked. Most still turn out to have a harmless cause.
Is mouth cancer painful?
In the early stages it is often painless, so the absence of pain doesn't mean a sore is harmless. Painless sores that don't heal should be examined too.
Can a dentist spot mouth cancer?
A dental examination includes the tongue, cheeks, palate and floor of the mouth; if something suspicious is found, you're referred for further tests. A definite diagnosis needs a biopsy.
