Tongue
Gums
Floor of the mouth
Hard and soft palate
Throat (oropharynx)
The good news? When caught early, the 5-year survival rate is over 80%. When caught late, that number drops dramatically.
10 Early Signs of Oral Cancer You Should Never Ignore
1. A Sore That Won’t Heal
This is the most common early sign. A sore, blister, or ulcer in your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks deserves attention.
What to look for: A persistent sore on your lip, tongue, or anywhere in your mouth that bleeds easily and doesn’t improve.
2. White or Red Patches
Leukoplakia: White patches that can’t be scraped off. They’re often harmless, but some are precancerous.
Erythroplakia: Red patches that are flat or slightly raised. These are more concerning and require immediate evaluation.
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Mixed red and white patches are particularly suspicious.
