Oral cancer can appear on the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and other mouth areas, and early signs are often easy to miss. A key warning sign is a sore that stays for more than two weeks. As the National Cancer Institute explains, “these sores may occur on the lips, gums, or inner lining of the mouth” and may not hurt in the beginning. Other possible symptoms include patches that look red or white, small lumps, swelling, or numbness that doesn’t go away. Some people also notice difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue.

Risk factors include heavy tobacco or alcohol use, frequent sun exposure to the lips, and certain viral infections. The chance increases with age, though anyone can be affected. Regular dental checkups help because dentists can spot changes early.

Early detection is critical since treatment works best when the cancer is found quickly. People should pay attention to long-lasting changes in their mouth and seek medical advice if something feels unusual.