9 Signs of Gum Cancer

Gum cancer, also called gingiva cancer, occurs when cells in the gum grow out of control, forming tumors or lesions. A common form of gum cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, caused by changes in the DNA of flat, thin squamous cells that line the oral cavity (inside the mouth).

This cancer can be found early during a dentist’s examination or later as it progresses. Symptoms may include pain, non-healing sores, a lump or thickening of the gums, and loose teeth. Some people may not experience symptoms. 

Gum cancer is often detected in the advanced stage because its symptoms mimic those of other tooth-related conditions like periodontal diseases and dentoalveolar (tooth) abscesses. Standard screening tests or programs for oral cancers like gum cancer do not exist.

An oral cancer like gum cancer may be painless at first. As the tumor advances, you may experience pain or a burning sensation in your mouth. The pain is often persistent and may worsen over time. It may also radiate to the ear area.

Nutritional deficiencies, stress, and hormonal changes can cause canker sores in the mouth.

Cancer in the oral cavity can cause similar sores. Mouth ulcerations related to cancer often don’t heal and are irregular in shape. They may be part of a mass in the gums, be firm to the touch, and have elevated borders. The sores may also bleed. 

Color change within the oral cavity is a common sign of oral cancer. This discoloration often appears as white or red patches or plaques in the gums or surrounding areas. 

The white patches are called leukoplakia and are considered premalignant lesions. Most of these lesions develop into cancers, especially if left untreated. Leukoplakia is strongly associated with smoking. Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, viral infections, and chronic irritation.

Gum cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes—the closest being the cervical lymph node located in the sides, front, and back of the neck. This can cause lymph node swelling, which may be detectable by palpating (feeling) the front area of the neck. Not everyone with oral cancer presents with lymph node metastasis, but about 25% of those who don’t will develop it within two years. 

Because your teeth are attached to your gums, gum cancer can cause them to loosen. You may also experience numbness or pain around the teeth. Teeth may loosen when cancer has progressed and invaded the bones. It also may cause non-healing sites after extraction of the tooth.

If you have gum cancer, you may experience difficulty moving your jaw or opening your mouth. Chewing and swallowing (dysphagia) may be painful or uncomfortable. It can also cause speech difficulties.

Unexplained and unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of different types of cancer, including oral cancers. A reduced ability to chew and swallow, as well as sores and swellings in the oral cavity, can interfere with nutrition, contributing to weight loss. 

According to one review, people who visit primary care centers with weight loss complaints are at a higher risk of having cancer than those who have not recorded weight loss. Cancer-related weight loss can happen rapidly, often in the later stages of the condition.

Halitosis (bad breath) is commonly associated with poor oral hygiene and dental issues like tooth decay. Oral cancer is another potential cause. Certain microorganisms found in the mouth, such as those from the genus Porphyromonas, have been linked to oral cancer and bad breath.

Gum cancer can cause swelling or masses in the gum or oral cavity. One case report published in the European Journal of Dentistry reported the case of a person with a primary complaint of gum swellings in the lower jaw, which increased to a growth later diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of the gums.

Regular dental checkups are essential for early diagnosis of gum cancer because it can often have no or minimal symptoms. Some healthcare providers also suggest self-examination, which includes using a mirror to examine your mouth and gums monthly for abnormalities like lumps, sores, or white patches. 

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience oral-related symptoms that last more than two weeks, including white or red patches in your gums, pain inside your mouth, sores that won’t heal, oral swelling, and lumps. While experiencing some of these symptoms does not always indicate gum cancer, you should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment. 

Gum cancer is a form of oral cavity cancer that develops in the gums. It can spread to other parts of the body, including the throat and the lymph nodes located in the neck. 

Some people with this condition may not experience symptoms, especially if it’s early-stage cancer. Symptoms typically include swelling and ulcerations in the gums, pain in the oral cavity, weight loss, tooth loosening, and red or white patches. 

If you notice any changes inside your mouth, it’s best to seek medical attention, especially if it doesn’t resolve within two weeks.