Maxillofacial Cancer Symptoms

Posted on 7/24/2023 by Evan

Maxillofacial cancer is any cancer that tends to develop in different parts of your mouth, neck, or face. Cancer can occur in the neck, face, tongue, gums, roof, or floor of the mouth, lips, or cheeks. If the cancer is identified early enough, it can be cured. Some of the symptoms that indicate you have maxillofacial cancer typically include the below.

Mouth Ulcers

Ulcers that are very painful and tend to be persistent for weeks or months indicate underlying cancer. The ulcers can be situated either on the lips or in your mouth. They appear like excruciating burns. The ulcers interfere with eating, breathing, swallowing, or talking.

Persistent Lumps

If you note any persistent lumps on your neck or mouth for weeks, it might indicate cancer. The lumps tend to be large, nodular, and painless. They will tend to increase in size over months.

Loose Teeth

Another indication of maxillofacial cancer is loose teeth that, even after extraction, do not heal. You can start to suspect cancer when you notice loose teeth without a history of trauma. You need to be reviewed immediately to address the issue and offered early treatment.

Jaw swelling that makes your teeth or dentures hurt or is misaligned. Persistent pain in the jaw or teeth with no apparent reason can be a sign of maxillofacial cancer and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Sore Throat

A sore throat or any trouble swallowing food can also indicate oral cancer. Most patients complain of feeling something stuck in the throat. Issues such as difficulty moving the tongue or jaw or problems with even chewing food can warrant an underlying condition. You can also note voice changes, such as having a hoarse voice due to cancer in the larynx. If you note any of the above symptoms, visit your maxillofacial surgeon for quick diagnosis and early treatment.

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