Mouth and Throat Tumors
Learn about mouth and throat tumors, including who's at risk and symptoms.
Finding out you have a tumor is scary. You may wonder what effect it will have on your life. Non-cancerous (benign) tumors are easily treated, Cancerous tumors may also be managed well when detected early. Actively participate with your healthcare providers to decide on your treatment, and be sure to address your concerns.
What is a tumor?
A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. It's either slow-growing and not cancer (benign) or fast-growing and cancer (malignant). Some tumors, especially cancerous ones, can be life-threatening. But most tumors can be treated.
Who's at risk for a cancerous tumor?
You're more likely to get a tumor of the mouth or throat if you:
Smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars
Use chewing tobacco or snuff
Drink alcohol
Have poor oral health
Are exposed to certain industrial chemicals
Had a mouth or throat tumor in the past
History of radiation exposure in the head or neck region
Have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Are male (twice as common than females)
Have poor nutrition and have extra body weight
Symptoms of a tumor in the mouth
If you have a mouth tumor, you or your healthcare provider may have noticed one or more of the following:
White or red patches on the cheeks, tongue, palate, or gums
Mouth pain or numbness that doesn’t go away
A sore that doesn’t heal in 1 or 2 weeks
Loose teeth without any obvious injury
Bleeding from the mouth that doesn’t stop after a few days
A swelling or lump that doesn’t go away
Problems with your teeth, dentures, or chewing
Symptoms of a tumor in the throat
If you have a throat tumor, you or your healthcare provider may have noticed one or more of the following:
Hoarseness that doesn’t go away
Trouble swallowing
A lump in your neck
Throat pain that doesn’t go away
Aching, pain, or pressure in your ear
A lasting cough, with or without bloody sputum
Unexplained weight loss