Oral cavity (mouth) cancer and throat (pharynx) cancer are often discussed together due to the proximity of the mouth and throat. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the precise location of the tumor.

What is the oral cavity?

The oral cavity is a hollow space inside the head that includes the:

Lips and lip lining
Cheek lining
Gums
Front two-thirds of the tongue
Roof of the mouth (hard palate)
Floor of the mouth
Area behind the wisdom teeth

The oral cavity is the first part of the digestive system, where food enters the body and the process of digestion begins.

What is the throat?

The throat is a hollow, muscular tube in the neck that serves as a passageway for air and food, connecting the back of the nose and mouth to the windpipe (trachea) and esophagus. The throat is divided into three sections:

Nasopharynx – The upper part of the throat located behind the nose and above the soft part of the roof of the mouth (soft palate)
Oropharynx – The middle part of the throat located behind the mouth, including the base of the tongue, tonsils and walls of the throat
Hypopharynx – The lower part of the throat located behind the voice box (larynx), extending from the hyoid bone to the esophagus

How do you know if you have throat cancer?

In general, cancer begins when healthy cells undergo harmful changes that cause them to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. The precise triggers of these cellular changes are not yet fully understood. In many cases, throat cancer initially affects the vocal cords. From there, it may spread to the larynx, pharynx or trachea.

As with all types of cancer, an early and accurate diagnosis of throat cancer is the key to achieving the best possible outcome and quality of life. Therefore, it is important for everyone to become familiar with throat cancer symptoms and discuss any unusual health changes with a physician right away. This is especially important for individuals who are at heightened risk for developing throat cancer due to a history of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

What are the symptoms of oral cavity cancer?

A tumor in the oral cavity may cause:

Lumps, bumps or rough patches on the lips or inside the mouth
Swelling on the lips or inside the mouth
Red or white patches inside the mouth
Unexplained bleeding inside the mouth
Persistent sores in the mouth or on the face or neck
Unexplained pain or tenderness in the mouth, face or neck
Numbness or loss of sensation in the mouth, face or neck
Sore throat
A sensation that something is caught in the back of the throat
Vocal hoarseness
Changes in the way teeth fit together when biting
Difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing or moving the tongue or jaw

If you have received a throat cancer diagnosis, the experts at Moffitt can help. You can submit a new patient appointment request - no referral needed.

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What are the symptoms of throat cancer?

Throat cancer symptoms can vary depending on the affected section of the throat.

Nasopharyngeal cancer symptoms

A tumor in the nasopharynx can cause:

Facial pain and numbness
Ringing within the ears (tinnitus)
Hearing loss
A feeling of fullness in the ears
Chronic ear infections
Difficulty opening the mouth, breathing or speaking
Lumps in the neck

Oropharyngeal cancer symptoms

A tumor in the oropharynx can cause:

Lumps in the mouth, at the back of the throat or on the neck
White patches on the tongue or cheek lining
Sore or itchy throat
A constant need to clear the throat
Vocal changes
Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
Difficulty swallowing
Painful swallowing
Coughing up blood

Hypopharyngeal cancer symptoms

A tumor in the hypopharynx can cause:

Lumps in the neck
Tinnitus
A feeling of fullness in the ears
Sore or itchy throat
A constant need to clear the throat
Vocal changes and hoarseness
Difficulty swallowing

6 less common throat cancer symptoms

In addition to noticeable symptoms in the nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx, throat cancer can cause less obvious symptoms in other parts of the body, such as:

Earaches
Nosebleeds
Persistent nasal congestion
Chronic sinus infections
Frequent headaches
Unintended weight loss

How is throat cancer usually discovered?

Many oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers are found in early stages through self-exams, screening tests and routine examinations performed by a physician, dentist or dental hygienist. With that said, hypopharyngeal cancer is relatively rare and can be challenging to detect and diagnose without complex testing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about throat cancer signs and symptoms

The following FAQs-related articles provide additional information about throat cancer signs and symptoms:

Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center

The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s renowned Head and Neck Cancer Program offers the latest diagnostic and treatment services for oral cavity and throat cancer, and we develop an individualized strategy for each patient. Moffitt is the only cancer center based in Florida to have received the prestigious Comprehensive Cancer Center designation from the National Cancer Institute—a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in cancer treatment, research and patient care.

You can request an appointment with a specialist in Moffitt’s Head and Neck Cancer Program by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.

Oral Cavity or Throat Cancer