What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can occur in the oral cavity (mouth) as well as in the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth). Like all organs of the body, the mouth and throat are made up of many kinds of cells. Oral cancer happens when malignant (abnormal) cells invade and damage tissues and organs in the mouth, including the:
- Oropharynx
- Lips
- Buccal mucosa (the lining inside the lips and cheeks)
- Teeth
- Bottom (floor) of the mouth under the tongue
- Tongue
- Bony top of the mouth (hard palate)
- Gums
- Salivary glands
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Usually, oral cancer occurs in people over the age of 45. In addition to age, these are some of the risk factors for oral cancer:
- Tobacco use. This is one of the known causes of oral cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; or dipping snuff accounts for 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers. Evidence suggests that smokeless tobacco users are at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Pipe smokers are especially prone to cancer of the lip.
- Alcohol use. Chronic and/or heavy use of alcohol also increases the risk of oral cancer. People who smoke and drink alcohol are at an especially high risk for developing oral cancer.
- Exposure to the sun. Cancer of the lip can result from exposure to the sun. The risk can be reduced by using a lotion or lip balm the contains sunscreen.
- History of leukoplakia. Studies have shown that people who have leukoplakia (a whitish patch inside the mouth) have a higher risk of developing oral cancer. This condition is often associated with heavy users of tobacco and alcohol. Early diagnosis and treatment of leukoplakia is crucial, because cancer may develop in these patches.
- History of erythroplakia. Erythroplakia is a red patch that appears in the mouth. This condition usually occurs in people 60 to 70 years of age. Early diagnosis and treatment of erythroplakia is crucial, because cancer may develop in these patches.
Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Here are some symptoms to watch for:
- A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal
- A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Unusual bleeding, pain, or numbness in the mouth
- A sore throat that does not go away, or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing
- Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- A change in the voice
- Pain in the ear
If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist or your doctor, so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Diagnosing Oral Cancer
Regular checkups by your doctor and dentist that include an examination of the tissues in your mouth can detect precancerous conditions or the early stages of oral cancer. If an abnormal area has been found in the oral cavity, here are some of the tests that you could expect to diagnose the condition:
- Biopsy – part or all of the lump or abnormal-looking area removed by an [oral surgeon]
- X-rays (and x-rays of the head and chest)
- CT (or CAT) scan
- Ultrasonography
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
Treatment Options for Oral Cancer
Your doctor will develop a treatment plan to best fit your needs. The treatment plan for oral cancer depends on several factors such as the location, size, type and the stage of the disease.
Below are the most common treatment options for oral cancer.
| Information about… | Our services |
| Surgery | Surgical Oncology |
| Radiation therapy | Radiation Oncology |
| Chemotherapy | Hematology Oncology |
Additional Resources
- National Cancer Institute: What You Need To Know About™ Oral Cancer
- American Cancer Society: All About Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer
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