Oral cancers usually arise in patches of Erythroplakia (red), Leukoplakia (white), or Erytholeukoplakia (both red and white) in the mouth.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a white area or spot in the oral cavity. About 25% of leukoplakias are cancerous or precancerous.

Erythroplakia & Erytholeukoplakia

Erythroplakia is a red, raised area or spot that bleeds if scraped. About 70% of erythroplakias are cancerous or precancerous.

Erythroleukoplakia is a spot with both red and white areas.

Other symptoms

• An ulcer or sore in the mouth or throat that doesn’t heal
• Loose teeth
• A lump or thickening in the neck, face, jaw, cheek, tongue or gums
• Dentures that cause discomfort or do not fit well
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw
• Persistent bad breath
• Unexplained weight loss