First, all patients are individuals and will experience everything in their own unique way. Not all patients will have ear pain. Ear pain is one of many minor symptoms that could be a sign of oral cancer. Patients who experience ear pain may also notice a decrease in their hearing. Other symptoms can include a mouth sore that does not heal on its own the sore could be painful for some while others experience no pain at all. Some patients will complain of a sore or scratchy throat and/or hoarseness too.

People who have many of the oral cancer symptoms should get a thorough oral cancer screening. If they have a sore in their mouth that lasts for over 2 or 3 weeks without healing they should seek out an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer patients. People who smoke or use tobacco in any form need to stop using it to give their mouth a chance to heal on its own. All alcohol should also be avoided and stop using any mouthwash that contains alcohol as well. A biopsy needs to be done to confirm exactly what the "mouth sore" is.