Ororpharyngeal cancer can affect any area of the oropharyngeal cavity including the lips, gum tissue, check lining, tongue, jaw the hard or soft palate and throat. It often starts as a tiny, unnoticed white or red spot or sore or swelling anywhere in the mouth or throat.

The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer can include:

• Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
• A thick or hard spot or lump
• A roughened or crusted area
• Numbness, pain or tenderness
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down