10 Symptoms of Melanoma

10. Melanoma in the Mouth

Mouth cancer or oral cancer occurs when a tumor develops on the surface of the tongue, mouth, lips, or gums. Tumors can also occur in the salivary glands, tonsils, and pharynx, the part of the throat leading from the mouth to the windpipe, but these locations are less common and usually occur as part of a syndrome. Symptoms of melanoma of the mouth include red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue, ulcers, lumps, and pain while eating and swallowing. Oral pigmentation can also occur, ranging from light brown to blue-black, red, or purple. Like skin melanomas, they are usually multiple colors.