Common tongue cancer symptoms. Symptoms of tongue cancer are very similar to symptoms of other types of oral cancer. It can often be mistaken for a cold that won’t go away, or a persistent sore in the mouth. Other tongue cancer symptoms and signs may include: 1  Persistent tongue and/or jaw pain. 2  A lump or thickening in the inside of the mouth. 3  A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth.