Mouth and Throat Tumors
Finding out you have a tumor is scary. You may wonder what effect it will have on your life. As you and your healthcare providers decide on your treatment, make sure to address your concerns . And moving forward, your healthcare team can help you learn ways to help yourself.
What is a tumor?
A tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. It is 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 is at risk for a cancerous tumor?
You are more likely to get a tumor of the mouth or throat if you:
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Smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars
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Use chewing tobacco or snuff
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Drink alcohol
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Take poor care of your teeth
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Are exposed to certain industrial chemicals
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Had a mouth or throat tumor in the past
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Have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
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:
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White or red patches on tissues or gums
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Pain that doesn’t go away
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A sore that doesn’t heal in a week or two
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Bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few days
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A swelling or lump that doesn’t go away
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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:
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Hoarseness that doesn’t go away
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Trouble swallowing
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A lump in your neck
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Pain that doesn’t go away
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Aching, pain, or pressure in your ear
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Persistent coughing with or without bloody sputum
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ashutosh Kacker MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC
Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2020
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