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Alternative names Return to top
Cancer - mouth; Mouth cancer; Head and neck cancer; Squamous cell cancer - mouthDefinition Return to top
Oral cancer involves abnormal, malignant tissue growth in the mouth.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinomas. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.
Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70-80% of oral cancer cases. Smoke and heat from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth. Use of chewing tobacco or snuff causes irritation from direct contact with the mucous membranes. Heavy alcohol use is another high-risk activity associated with oral cancer.
Other risks include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as that from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Some oral cancers begin as leukoplakia or mouth ulcers. Oral cancer accounts for about 8% of all malignant growths. Men are affected twice as often as women, particularly men older than 40.
Symptoms Return to top
Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer:
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows a visible or palpable (can be felt) lesion of the lip, tongue, or other mouth area. As the tumor enlarges, it may become an ulcer and bleed. Speech difficulties, chewing problems, or swallowing difficulties may develop, particularly if the cancer is on the tongue.Treatment Return to top
Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy would likely be used when the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck. Surgery may be necessary for large tumors.
Rehabilitation may include speech therapy or other therapy to improve movement, chewing, swallowing, and speech.
Support Groups Return to top
The stress of illness can often be eased by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Approximately 50% of people with oral cancer will live more than 5 years after diagnosis and treatment. If the cancer is detected early, before it has spread to other tissues, the cure rate is nearly 75%. Unfortunately, more than 50% of oral cancers are advanced at the time the cancer is detected. Most have spread to the throat or neck.
Approximately 25% of people with oral cancer die because of delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
This disorder may be discovered when the dentist performs a routine cleaning and examination.Prevention Return to top
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |