rewrite this title Is It a Cold Sore or Cancer? Surprising Signs of Lip Cancer You Should Know

Lip cancer is an oral cancer that first develops on the lips, usually causing an open sore or painful lump. Initial warning signs of lip cancer can be hard to recognize. As the cancer progresses, symptoms can also affect the teeth, gums, tongue, and inner cheeks.

Other common symptoms include mouth pain, a white or red patch on the gums, and swelling in the jaw.

The first sign of lip cancer is a physical change to the lips. You may notice an open sore or lesion on your lip that looks like a fluid-filled blister, lump, or bump. A cancerous lesion on the lips may feel painful or numb and can sometimes bleed. Lip cancer is different from a cold sore or pimple because it doesn’t heal over time.

Other lip changes may include:

Discolored patches of skin on the lipsThickening lips

What’s the Difference Between Lip Cancer and a Cold Sore?

A lip cancer sore can mimic the appearance of a cold sore, which is typically caused by the contagious herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes-related cold sores develop on or around the lips and look like a cluster of pus-filled blisters. While there is no cure for cold sores, they usually resolve on their own in about 10 days. 

Lip cancer sores last longer than this timeframe and do not heal. Seeing a healthcare provider may be a good idea if your lip sore lasts longer than 10 days.

As lip cancer grows and spreads, it may affect other areas of your mouth, causing symptoms such as:

Lump on the gums or tongueThick patches of skin in the mouthWhite or red patches on the gums or tonguePain or numbness on the lips or in the mouth 

Lip cancer sometimes spreads to the throat. When this happens, it may cause these symptoms:

Trouble swallowing food
Sore throat that doesn’t go away
Feeling like food is getting stuck in your throat 
Difficulty moving your jaw
Changes in your voice

When left untreated, lip cancer can spread to areas beyond the lips, mouth, and throat. In advanced stages, lip cancer may cause systemic (bodywide) symptoms, such as:

Ear pain
Hearing changes
Swollen lymph nodes 
Unintended weight loss
Bone pain 
Fatigue

Lip cancer is rare in children, and sores or tumors in a child’s mouth are typically noncancerous. While more common in older adults, some children may develop lip cancer, which can cause symptoms such as:

Sores on the lip that do not healLump in the mouthWhite or red patches on the gumsMouth pain or bleeding

If your child develops any of these symptoms, visit their pediatrician or dentist for proper testing.

Contact your healthcare provider if you develop lip cancer symptoms that do not improve after one to two weeks. Symptoms may include a sore on the lips, mouth pain, or a white or red patch on the gums. 

These symptoms can occur due to noncancerous reasons, such as viruses or injuries, but it’s important to see your provider after two weeks of symptoms with no improvement. 

Lip cancer is an oral cavity cancer that causes a cancerous lesion or sore on the lips. This sore typically doesn’t heal without treatment. If left untreated, lip cancer can also affect the teeth, mouth, and throat.

Other symptoms may include lip numbness, discolored patches on the lips or in the mouth, tooth pain, and swelling in the jaw. If you’re experiencing symptoms, seeing your primary healthcare provider or a dentist can help you understand your condition and receive the necessary treatment.