Mouth and Throat Tumors
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 doctors decide on your treatment, some of your concerns will be resolved. 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 benign (slow growing, not cancerous) or malignant (fast growing, cancerous). Some tumors, especially cancerous ones, can be life-threatening. But most tumors can be treated.
Risk factors for a cancerous tumor
You are more likely to get a tumor of the mouth or throat if you:
Smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars
Use chewing tobacco or snuff
Drink alcohol
Take poor care of your teeth
Are exposed to certain industrial chemicals
Had a mouth or throat tumor in the past
Have a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Signs and symptoms of a tumor in the mouth
If you have a mouth tumor, you or your doctor may have noticed one or more of the following:
White or red patches on tissues or gums
Pain that doesn’t go away
A sore that doesn’t heal in a week or two
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few days
A swelling or lump that doesn’t go away
Problems with your teeth, dentures, or chewing
Signs and symptoms of a tumor in the throat
If you have a throat tumor, you or your doctor may have noticed one or more of the following:
Hoarseness that doesn’t go away
Trouble swallowing
A lump in your neck
Pain that doesn’t go away
Aching, pain, or pressure in your ear
Persistent coughing with or without bloody sputum
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Reviewed By:  
Fraser, Marianne, MSN, RN,Kacker, Ashutosh, MD