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is a disease where cancer cells form on the lips or in the mouth or throat. The most common type of mouth cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.
Common symptoms include the following:
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness in your mouth
- Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together
- Pain and or difficulty opening your mouth
- A lump in your mouth, throat or neck
- Trouble swallowing
- Change or loss of taste
- A cough or sore throat that will not go away
- Ear pain
Call 911 for any of the following:
- You have trouble breathing.
- Your mouth or throat is bleeding.
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a fever.
- You are having a hard time swallowing.
- You have warmth, pain or redness in your mouth or throat.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him of her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
- Do not use tobacco. Smoking or chewing tobacco products may make your symptoms and cancer worse. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may make your symptoms and cancer worse.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
- Drink liquids as directed. Liquids help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.