Floor of the mouth cancer symptoms & treatment

Floor of the mouth cancer is a cancer that grows in the tissue under the tongue, near the lower jaw bone (mandible).

Drinking alcohol and smoking can increase your risk for this cancer. Human papilloma virus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can also cause floor of the mouth cancer.

Symptoms of floor of the mouth cancer

There may be no symptoms in the early stages of floor of the mouth cancer. Many people mistake it for a canker sore.

During later stages of the disease, symptoms may include:

• A sore that continues to grow larger
• Difficulty moving your jaw
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Loose teeth or pain around your teeth
• Painless lump or ulcer in the mouth
• Severe ear pain
• White, red or dark patches inside the mouth

Diagnosis of floor of the mouth cancer

It’s important you get this oral cancer treated as soon as possible, or it could spread into your neck.

To diagnose floor of the mouth cancer, your doctor will examine your mouth, ears, nose and throat. You may also need a biopsy or imaging tests to check if the cancer has spread.

Treatment options for floor of the mouth cancer

Treatment for floor of the mouth cancer includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In early stages, floor of the mouth cancer is treated with surgery and radiation. In more advanced cases, chemotherapy may also be included. Your Aurora medical team will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs.