Oral cancer
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. It’s a disease where harmful cells grow in your mouth. Just like other parts of your body, your mouth is very important. It helps you eat, talk and smile.
Did you know that each year, about 54,000 people in the United States find out they have oral cancer?1 And, more men get oral cancer than woman.2
What are the types of oral cancer?
Oral cancer isn’t just one thing. It’s a group of cancers that show up in various areas of your mouth. Here are some types of oral cancer you might want to know about.
Lip cancer often appears on the outer layer of your lips. You might notice a sore or a bump that doesn’t go away. Spending too much time in the sun without using UV lip balm is a risk for this type of cancer, as is tobacco use.3
Tongue cancer grows on the front of your tongue where you can see it. It shows up as a lump, white or red patch on your tongue. Another sign is pain when swallowing or a sore not healing. Tongue cancer can make it difficult to chew, speak or move your tongue.4
Cheek cancer, also known as buccal mucosa cancer, occurs on the inside of your cheeks. You might have painful spots, white or red areas, or pain around your checks.5 It can make it hard to open your mouth all the way, a condition known as trismus or lockedjaw.6
Tongue cancer (also called floor of the mouth cancer) occurs right under your tongue, on the bottom part of your mouth. You might notice a bump or sore spot that doesn’t get better. If it goes untreated, it can change how you talk and eat. 7
The roof of your mouth has two different parts. The hard palate forms the bony front part of the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is located near the back of your mouth, behind the teeth. If you find a sore or bump that’s bothering you on the hard plate, this is part of oral cancer.8 Cancer found on the soft palate is considered throat cancer.9
How is oral cancer diagnosed?
With oral cancer, early detection is important, because as it develops, it may penetrate deeper into the tissue and spread to other areas of the body. Doctors can diagnose oral cancer by looking in your mouth, sometimes using a small camera. They may look at your mouth and throat and take pictures to understand what's happening. Endoscopies and biopsies or imaging techniques, like CT scans, may help doctors find out how widespread the cancer is.
Dentists are often the doctors who diagnose oral cancer.10 That is one of the reasons it is important to get regular dental check-ups. Also, self-examinations can help to detect oral cancer early on.11
What are signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Do you have sores on your lips or in your mouth that won’t heal? Or maybe you have loose teeth, lumps or trouble swallowing? These could be signs of oral cancer.12 If you notice these problems for more than two weeks, it’s important to see a doctor or a dentist right away.
Am I at risk for oral cancer?
Your lifestyle choices can impact your risk of getting oral cancer, along with family history. If you use tobacco, drink a lot of alcohol, spend a lot of time in the sun without lip balm or don’t eat many fruits or vegetables, you might be more likely to get oral cancer. Those who drink alcohol and use tobacco are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.13
Also, having certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase your risk of developing oral cancer.13
Can I prevent oral cancer?
Yes, there are ways to lower your risk of getting oral cancer. Here are a few steps you can take:14
- Don’t use any form of tobacco
- Don’t drink too much alcohol
- Use lip balm with sunscreen when you are outside
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis
- Get a vaccine for HPV
Also, remember to visit your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups. Dentists can often spot potential oral cancer during your regular check-ups. They may recommend additional tests or refer you to specialists if they find anything unusual.
Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment, so be sure to see your dentist. Learn tips to find a dentist that’s a good fit for you.
How is oral cancer treated?
The approach to treating oral cancer will vary, based on your overall health, the type and stage of oral cancer you have and your personal preferences. It’s important to talk to your doctor and care team about what options might be best for you. Here are some common oral cancer treatment options:
In many cases, surgery is a primary treatment option. Your surgeon might remove the cancerous parts of your mouth or throat. If the cancer has spread, they may also need to remove some lymph nodes in the neck.15
This treatment uses high-energy rays to get rid of cancer cells. It is often used before surgery to make a tumor smaller. It can also be used after surgery to help remove any remaining cancer cells. Sometimes, radiation is combined with chemotherapy.15
This involves powerful drugs that can destroy cancer cells. Like radiation therapy, it can be used before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to get rid of any remaining cancer cells. It can also be used on its own to kill the cancer cells.15
This is a newer type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules inside of your cancer cells. It blocks these molecules, helping to stop the growth and spread of cancer.15
This treatment helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It’s like training your body’s natural defenses to fight off cancer. It’s similar to the way vaccines teach your body to fight infections.15
Each treatment option comes with its own risk and benefits. Often, a combination of treatments is used to treat oral cancer. Your care team will help make a treatment plan that’s best for your situation.
Who should I see if I’m concerned about oral cancer?
If you have symptoms that you think might be related to oral cancer, or if you’re worried about your risk, the first step is to make an appointment with your primary care provider (the doctor or provide you see for regular yearly check-ups).
When you go, be sure to bring a list of any symptoms you’ve noticed, your full health history and any questions you might have. If you’ve had dental X-rays or any other oral screenings, it’s helpful to have those results sent to your doctor’s office before your visit.
At your appointment, your doctor will talk with you and examine your mouth. They might also order more tests or refer you to a specialist. This could be an oral surgeon, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist, or an oncologist (a doctor who focuses on cancer). These experts can provide more detailed exams and treatment options if needed.10
Here’s a tip: It’s a great idea to bring a family member or friend with you to your appointment. They can offer support, and it’s always good to have someone else who can help remember all the information that your doctor shares. Learn more about how to make the most out of your next doctor’s visit.
