Oral melanoma symptoms: what to look for

Oral melanoma may present as a brown, black, grey, or unevenly coloured area on the gums, palate, cheek lining, or tongue. It can also cause a raised spot, thickening, ulceration, bleeding, pain, loose teeth, altered speech, or difficulty chewing and swallowing. Some people notice no discomfort. These symptoms are shared by many less serious conditions, including trauma and infection, so they cannot identify the cause without an examination and, when indicated, a biopsy.

Make an appointment with a dentist or doctor if a mouth change persists, returns, or evolves. Record its location and any changes in colour, size, texture, bleeding, or pain. Avoid irritating the area and do not attempt to remove a lesion yourself. If testing confirms melanoma, specialists use pathology and staging to choose care. Options can include Surgical Excision, Skin Cancer Surgery, Tumour Removal Surgery, or Immunotherapy.

Seek prompt assessment for an unexplained dark mark, a sore that does not heal, repeated bleeding, a growing lump, or a new neck swelling. Arrange urgent medical help if mouth or tongue swelling interferes with breathing or swallowing, or if bleeding continues despite gentle pressure. Urgency is based on the symptom and its severity, not on assuming that it represents melanoma.

Ask what diagnoses are possible, whether a biopsy is needed, which areas should be examined, and whether imaging or Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy could affect staging. Ask how results will change treatment and what Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment includes.