A key warning sign is persistence. A sore, ulcer, lump, red or white patch, or other unexplained change in the mouth that lasts for around two weeks deserves professional evaluation. Dentists and doctors can examine suspicious areas and determine whether further testing, such as a biopsy, is necessary. Many noncancerous conditions can produce similar symptoms, so appearance alone cannot confirm oral cancer.

Tobacco use—including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco—is an important risk factor. Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase risk, particularly when combined with tobacco. Some oral and throat cancers are associated with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), while sun exposure is an important risk factor for lip cancer.

Treatment depends on the cancer’s exact location, size, stage and other individual factors. Surgery and radiation therapy are commonly used, while chemotherapy, targeted treatments or immunotherapy may be appropriate in certain cases. Modern cancer staging is more detailed than simply measuring whether a tumor is one or two inches across, so staging should be determined by an oncology team.

Most importantly, persistent changes should not simply be ignored because they are painless. Early evaluation can make a major difference in treatment options and outcomes. Regular dental examinations can also help identify abnormalities that someone might not notice themselves. If a mouth sore, unexplained lump, persistent patch, swallowing problem or other unusual change isn’t healing, arranging an examination with a dentist, doctor or ENT specialist is the safest next step.